Federal drug charges filed against 42-year-old Florida man
Drug charges alone can lead to serious consequences for any Florida, resident. Federal drug charges, on the other hand, can result in even more damaging repercussions, including a possible maximum prison sentence in a federal prison. For a resident facing drug charges, immediate legal action may be necessary in order to help offset these damaging charges.
A Sarasota, Florida, man now finds himself in just such a situation. The 42-year-old man was arrested along with a 39-year-old man from Riverview. They were charged for allegedly possessing 100 kilograms of marijuana and conspiring to distribute the illegal substance. According to the indictment filed on April 3, the two men, along with several others, attempted to distribute the prohibited substance in Hillsborough, Sarasota and Polk counties.
The Special Investigations Section of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office headed the preliminary investigation. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Drug Enforcement Administration and authorities from two other counties later joined in the investigation. The two suspects face 40 years in prison if convicted.
Anyone who faces drug-related offenses should not take these charges lightly. Penalties involving drug-related activity have become significantly more severe. The Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act of 2000, in particular, can lead to the seizure of a person’s assets if they are convicted of a drug offense. It is also important to understand that Florida and federal laws require an aggressive prosecution when it comes to drug cases.
An Orlando, Florida, resident facing drug charges should be just as aggressive in protecting their rights. One possible way to do so is to seek the guidance of a drug crimes defense attorney. An experienced professional can draft an aggressive defense centered on verifying the validity of evidence, probable cause and the legality of search and seizure operations. A professional may also help determine if there were errors in the investigation and the arrest that led to violations of a suspect’s rights.
Source: Herald Tribune, “Sarasota man faces federal drug charges,” April 11, 2014
