Florida: The Toughest On Drug Crime

Florida is a beautiful and welcoming state, from its beautiful beaches to its countless attractions. However, visitors need to be aware that if they use drugs during their visit, the state’s law enforcement will handle the case aggressively if you are caught using or selling unlawful substances. If you have been charged with a drug offense in Florida, it is crucial that you enlist an experienced attorney to protect your rights.

A Violent & Tragic Past

One of the major reasons why Florida prosecutes drug offenses so harshly is because many in law enforcement remember the state’s past. The late 1970s and 1980s saw South American cartel activity shoot through the proverbial roof, with people like Griselda Blanco and the “Cocaine Cowboys” effectively creating an atmosphere of terror in south Florida, ultimately leaving hundreds dead as they created drug empires.

Even after the drug cartels were better contained, the state of Florida still had issues with the use and sale of controlled substances. The 1990s and 2000s saw the so-called ‘pill mills’ take up residence in the state, prescribing countless numbers of narcotics and opioids with little to no oversight. Even today Floridians struggle with opioid use, much of which can be traced back to these years.

Things Are Changing

As a result of this tragic past, Florida law still treats drug offenses as crimes against society, even if a person simply possesses a substance, rather than trying to sell it or otherwise traffic it. For example, simple possession of under 20 grams of cannabis is the only misdemeanor drug offense in Florida, and even that carries a penalty of up to 1 year in jail (plus fines and court costs).

That said, things are changing slowly, with more and more lawmakers seeing statistics that show harsh measures have little effect on rates of drug use and sale. More alternatives to jail time, such as diversion programs, are being offered to more defendants, hoping to shunt those with nonviolent offenses on their record toward a better path in life.

Call A West Palm Beach Drug Crimes Attorney

If you have been charged with a drug offense in Florida, it is important to take the case seriously. A West Palm Beach drug crimes attorney from Perlet & Shiner, P.A. can help ensure you get your day in court. Contact our office today at (561) 721-0552 to schedule a consultation.

Source:

reason.com/2021/01/30/the-dangerous-paradise-of-1980-miami/