Shipping Drugs Through The Mail Is A Federal Offense

Whether intentional or unintentional, receiving drugs via the U.S. mail is a federal crime. The average person may not think much of mailing something to a friend or family member, but this can lead to charges of drug trafficking and jail time in a federal prison. The stakes of these cases are very high, but the right attorney can help ensure that you get your day in court.

Serious Consequences Possible

Florida’s drug laws are some of the most severe in the United States, imposing felony sentences on many defendants who merely possess controlled substances, and mandatory minimum sentences for those convicted of distribution or trafficking. Florida law enforcement takes drug offenses seriously, seeking to stem the tide of drug use and overdose deaths in their state, mostly because of Florida’s past history with cartels.

The three broad categories of drug-related offenses are possession, sale or distribution, and trafficking. Distribution and trafficking are only separated by degrees, but the distinction is important – trafficking in Florida occurs when a person possesses a certain amount of a controlled substance. For example, if a person is found with 10 or more grams of MDMA, they will be charged with trafficking in MDMA even if they have no intent whatsoever to give any of that quantity to anyone else.

Defenses To Trafficking Charges

If you have been charged with drug trafficking via the U.S. mail, it is crucial that you are aware of the stakes. If your mail crossed state lines, it is likely that you will face federal charges, because multi-state offenses usually become the jurisdiction of federal law enforcement. Even if your mail remained in Florida, drug trafficking charges can become federal if a high enough amount of contraband is involved.

There are several potential defenses one may assert against a charge of drug trafficking. Perhaps the simplest is that the amount in question is not sufficient to merit a charge of trafficking, but only possession, which carries lesser sentences. A more complete defense would be to argue that the evidence was discovered as a result of an illegal search, or that other irregularities occurred during law enforcement’s investigation.

Call A West Palm Beach Drug Offenses Attorney

If you have received illicit substances through the mail, whether knowingly or unknowingly, you may face significant jail time, regardless of whether it comes via the state or federal justice system. A West Palm Beach drug offenses attorney from the firm of Perlet & Shiner, P.A. can help protect your rights. Call our office today to schedule a consultation.

Source:

flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2021/893.13