Common Airport Crimes and How to Defend Against Charges

How to Fight Common Charges After an Airport Arrest

More than 35 million passengers moved through Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in 2024, making it the 19th busiest airport in the country. The airport is an essential hub for international travel and cargo shipping, but for some people, what should have been an easy visit to the airport turns into a criminal justice nightmare after they’re arrested. Keep reading to find out the most common criminal charges in airports and what you can do if you are arrested.

Drug Possession and Trafficking

International airports, in particular, are known for drug crimes, including possession and trafficking. Airports use a variety of tools and security techniques, such as drug-sniffing dogs and body and luggage scanners, to identify people who may be trying to go through the airport with controlled substances. Having even a small amount of a controlled substance in an airport can result in serious charges. In some cases, it can even be a federal offense.  Under normal circumstances, an officer would need cause or a warrant to search a personal item, but this isn’t the case in an airport if you’re flying. Agents can screen your luggage and even open it to ensure you aren’t carrying drugs. But this doesn’t mean that you don’t have defense options if you’re arrested. An attorney can evaluate your case and determine what defense strategies make the most sense, whether arguing lack of intent or mistake of fact.

Theft Crimes

The airport is full of random people with random bags, and this makes it a common target for theft crimes. Theft charges in an airport can involve someone being accused of stealing from other passengers or from a store within the terminal. Shoplifting is a common occurrence, and bags and items are often stolen if left unattended for even a few seconds. Airports have sophisticated surveillance systems, and this footage is commonly used to identify defendants and as evidence in court, which is something a defense attorney must overcome. In some cases, the footage may not clearly show the defendant’s face or any identifying marks, which may provide a way to argue that the video isn’t clear enough to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt. One of the most common defense strategies for theft crimes is arguing a lack of intent. Most theft crimes in Florida require the defendants to have knowingly and willfully acted to deprive the rightful owner of the object in question. If the defense team can successfully cast doubt that the defendant had this intent, it can lead to a dismissal of charges or an acquittal. Suppose a person reports their luggage stolen, and security footage identifies the defendant taking the bag. However, the defendant’s luggage was the same brand, style, and color. If the defendant believed that the bag was theirs, it could be a simple mistake.

Bringing Firearms into the Airport

It’s a common crime for a person to forget they have a firearm in their luggage or on their person and attempt to go through the airport’s security screening. This can result in serious charges and can have life changing effects. While there are a number of regulations regarding bringing firearms in checked baggage, bringing them into the airport terminal itself, especially past a security checkpoint, can be a criminal offense. Possessing other prohibited items, such as a knife, brass knuckles, or specific explosive devices, can also be a criminal offense.

Disorderly Conduct

Airports can be stressful for even the most experienced travelers, but when tempers rise, it can result in criminal charges. Disorderly conduct has multiple definitions under Florida law, but two of these are behavior that affects “the peace and quiet of persons who may witness them” and “such conduct as to constitute a breach of the peace.”

Disorderly conduct charges can result from arguing with airport staff or other travelers or refusing to follow instructions given by TSA agents or airport personnel.  Disorderly conduct is generally a misdemeanor under Florida law, but it’s still a serious charge that requires legal representation. An attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal to avoid jail time or get the charges dismissed entirely by providing context that explains the behavior, such as having a medical episode.

Assault and Battery

When arguments escalate, it can end in a physical altercation and criminal charges for assault or battery. Assault is the attempt of physical violence on another person or making threats of doing so, while battery is when the violence actually occurs. Allegations involving battery on a TSA agent or a member of the airline staff can be especially serious and are prosecuted aggressively.  One of the most common defense strategies for assault or battery charges is that the defendant was acting in self-defense or defense of others. Other options an attorney might talk with you about include arguing that the physical contact was an accident or that it didn’t meet the requirements for criminal battery.  Your first call after being charged with an airport crime should be to an experienced criminal defense attorney, such as the team at George Reres Law, PA.

Call 954-543-1186to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.