Federal Drug Defense Attorney in Miami

Drug trafficking

Also referred to as drug distribution, drug trafficking in Miami is the act of selling, transporting, or illegally importing a controlled substance, including the illegal sale and transportation of prescription drugs. In establishing a case for conviction, federal prosecutors must prove the defendant was knowingly in possession of the drug and was aware the substance was illegal. Therefore, a jury is not permitted to convict a defendant on a drug trafficking charge if he or she was driving a vehicle across state lines completely unaware that someone else had placed drugs in the trunk or he or she was in possession of a powder he or she believed to be baking soda but was later informed by law enforcement that the substance was cocaine. There is some overlap between the elements of a drug possession charge and a drug trafficking charge. A distinguishing factor between the two offenses is the prosecution must present evidence that the defendant was in possession of the drug for commercial purposes. If the defendant also had a scale, tiny plastic bags, several cell phones, business cards, or large sums of cash, the jury may be more inclined to believe the defendant was engaging in drug trafficking. Federal prosecutors may also call witnesses who purchased drugs from the defendant to testify before the court. Contrary to what many believe, prosecution for federal drug trafficking is not limited to high-ranking drug cartel participants; small scale street dealers may also be charged and convicted. If certain factors are present in a case, a drug trafficking sentence may be enhanced.

Prescription drug fraud

Florida is notorious for consistently ranking among the highest states in the nation in number of prescription fraud cases. A person may be charged with prescription fraud if he or she forges a prescription, engages in doctor shopping to obtain more than the allotted quantity of a restricted drug, or simply misrepresents his or her identity in the interest of illegally obtaining a prescription drug. Cases that involve activity that takes place in multiple states are more likely to be tried in federal court. There are numerous cases in which a person may be falsely charged of federal prescription drug fraud. For example, if a patient’s family member attempts to have the patient’s prescription for a narcotic drug filled because the patient is unable to do it himself, the patient would likely have a valid defense if he or she is accused of attempting to obtain the narcotic illegally. Federal agents often uncover prescription drugs through sting operations. Like other sting operations, prescription drug operations do sometimes involve situations in which a defendant may argue entrapment if an undercover officer unlawfully induces the individual to engage in illegal activity when he or she would not have done so otherwise.

Legal assistance for federal drug cases in Miami

Although facing a federal drug charge may seem like a dire circumstance, there is help for individuals who find themselves in this position. People who have been accused of committing a federal drug crime should immediately contact a Miami federal drug charge defense lawyer. Every stage in a federal drug investigation is critical; therefore, the earlier a defendant contacts a seasoned Miami drug lawyer, the greater the defendant’s chances are of obtaining a more favorable outcome. Federal cases require the assistance of Miami drug attorneys who are experienced in appearing before federal judges and in opposing federal prosecutors. Not only are the stakes much higher in federal court due to the potential for receiving a lengthier sentence, but federal judges and prosecutors are typically very accomplished, highly skilled legal professionals. Therefore, defendants who are required to appear in federal court must also choose a distinguished attorney who is ready, willing, and able to rise to the occasion.

For people feel they are unable to an attorney, it may be tempting to request a public defender. While government-provided attorneys tend to be very experienced, they are also tremendously overworked and may sometimes encourage their clients to accept a plea deal when doing so may not be in the client’s best interest. Therefore, every defendant should at least make a call to a private practice Miami federal drug charge defense attorney and receive a free case evaluation. When freedom and a clear reputation are on the line, it is within every defendant’s interest to receive a free consultation from a knowledgeable Miami federal drug crimes defense lawyer.