Defense for Drug Trafficking at Airports in Fort Lauderdale

Protecting Clients’ Rights for Drug Trafficking in Florida

Drug trafficking charges are handled very harshly in the U.S. and carry some of the most severe consequences of any criminal conviction. These charges may carry even more weight when they take place at airports. Many drug trafficking cases have mandatory minimum prison sentences, hefty fines, and other penalties.

If you or someone you care about was arrested for drug trafficking at an airport, you need immediate legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense attorney like George Reres. Attorney Reres and his team have handled countless cases at both state and federal levels, and have vast experience representing clients under investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Facing drug-related charges can be overwhelming and confusing. You may fear that you’re a victim of illegal search and seizure or that you won’t be able to explain yourself to law enforcement officers. Our dedicated attorneys and legal staff can explain your rights and help you navigate the complex legal system. Call 954-543-1186 to schedule a complimentary, confidential consultation with our skilled and compassionate legal team.

What Drug Trafficking Charges Typically Occur at Airports?

If you’re caught with an illegal controlled substance at an airport, you may be subject to legal action. While airport security officers don’t have the jurisdiction to charge you, they will probably quickly call law enforcement officers and have you arrested. At this critical time, it’s essential to remain calm and insist on your right to legal representation.

Our legal team can help you understand the reasons behind your detention. We’ll also guide you as you develop a strong defense that protects your rights and gets you the outcome you need. We’ll be by your side regardless of the type of crime you’re being charged with. Some common drug trafficking charges that our clients face include smuggling drugs, carrying large amounts of controlled substances, or transporting drug paraphernalia.

Smuggling through Security

One of the most commonly charged drug crimes is attempting to smuggle a controlled substance through airport security. Airport security violations are serious matters that could result in criminal action. It’s crucial that you get legal counsel from a criminal defense lawyer if you’re accused of sneaking illegal drugs through airport security.

Carrying Large Amounts of Drugs

If your drug crime included carrying a large amount of a controlled substance, you will probably be charged with drug trafficking, which is a more serious charge than simple possession. It will be assumed that, rather than planning to use the drugs yourself, you planned to distribute the illegal substance.

Drug trafficking may be charged as a federal crime, which means it could carry a mandatory minimum prison sentence and other severe penalties. Contact our Florida law firm immediately to learn what options you have when facing drug-related charges like drug trafficking.

Drug Paraphernalia

Carrying drug paraphernalia can further imply that you intended to distribute illegal drugs. For example, scales or individual bags of the substance may all be considered evidence against you in a drug trafficking claim.

What Concealment Methods Do People Illegally Use at Airports?

The number of ways individuals have tried to conceal drugs in airports varies widely. In recent years, the use of drug dogs and other methods has made these methods all but ineffective, often resulting in the person’s arrest. If you or a loved one was caught with drug possession in an airport, please seek advice from a trusted criminal defense lawyer like George Reres.

Hidden Inside Other Objects

Hiding illegal drugs inside other objects is one of the most common ways people try to transport illegal amounts of controlled substances. For example, some cases include recreating a Teflon seal on pots or pans and hiding a layer of drugs under the seal, hiding drugs or undeclared dollar bills inside toy boxes, or packing drugs inside electronics.

Disguised as Other Medications

Another method that some people have used is to disguise an illegal drug as another medication. Improved testing methods inside airports can quickly identify that the substance is not what the label claims.

Mixed with Food

Finally, some individuals try to smuggle illegal drugs through the airport as food. We’ve heard of cases such as spiking honey or sprinkling cereal flakes with drugs to evade inspection. With these cases becoming more abundant, law enforcement has increased its level of inspection, resulting in more and more drug trafficking cases.

What Penalties May I Be Subject to for an Airport Drug Crime Conviction?

Since drug trafficking impacts entire communities, these charges are extremely serious and may result in a felony conviction. Depending on the nature of your crime and the location where it occurred, you may face federal investigation from federal bureaus and agencies. The penalties for drug trafficking could include prison time, thousands of dollars in fines, and other consequences like loss of professional licensing, loss of immigration status, and increased social stigma.

Regardless of the type of crime or level of jurisdiction you’re subject to, our legal team is ready to handle your case with skill and care. We’ll aggressively pursue a defense that protects your freedoms and gets you the minimum sentencing possible. Some factors that impact the severity of your penalties include the type and amount of drugs, whether you had actual or constructive possession, and whether this is your first offense.

Type of Illegal Drug

Drugs are classified into various schedules, with the most severe penalties for drug trafficking of Schedules I and II. These drugs are seen as the most addictive and dangerous and include heroin, marijuana, cocaine, and LSD. Lower classes of drugs may result in less severe charges, but should also be taken very seriously.

Amount of Substance

The amount of drugs you were carrying can directly affect your penalties, such as the number of years in prison and the fine you’ll have to pay. What may seem like a small amount to you could be enough to merit an “intent to distribute” charge, which carries a great deal of weight in the courtroom.

Actual or Constructive Drug Possession

Another factor that can impact your sentencing is whether you had actual or constructive possession. Actual possession is more serious and happens when you have the drugs directly on your person. With constructive possession, the drugs were in a place you could easily access, such as at your home or in your car. At an airport, it’s much more likely that law enforcement charges you with actual possession, making your case that much more serious.

Repeat Offenses and Other Aggravating Factors

If this is the first time you’re facing criminal charges with drugs involved, you are more likely to receive a minimum sentence. However, if you are facing a repeat violation of state and federal drug laws, you could face harsh penalties. Some other aggravating factors include carrying large amounts of drugs, having drug paraphernalia, or using a dangerous weapon.

Why Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer in My Drug Trafficking Case?

A drug trafficking charge can result in devastating legal penalties that restrict your freedom, potentially for the rest of your life. However, please keep in mind that the onus is on the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty. With drug trafficking attorneys on your side, you can ensure that your constitutional rights are protected and that you have the defense strategy you need to walk away with minimal sentencing.

A criminal defense lawyer like those at our law firm will have years of experience working with people like you who are facing frightening criminal charges. Your lawyer will have handled numerous criminal cases and will understand how to mitigate the potential penalties associated with a drug crime. They can advise you on how to respond to questioning during interrogations and will negotiate on your behalf. You can also rely on your criminal defense attorney to fight aggressively before federal judges on your behalf.

If you’ve been accused of drug trafficking, please contact our legal team immediately to get started.

What Defense Strategies Should I Use for Drug Trafficking Charges at Airports?

Building a strong defense is critical when facing such serious charges as drug trafficking in Florida. Our criminal defense attorneys will work diligently to uncover evidence that backs you up. We’ll use the information we find to build a strong defense that protects your constitutional rights. Some examples of defenses we use include illegal search and seizure, entrapment defense, lack of evidence, and mistaken identity.

Unlawful Search and Seizure

If your rights were not respected during the search, the evidence obtained cannot be used against you. Our legal team will leave no stone unturned as we seek to prove that law enforcement violated your rights during the search and seizure.

Entrapment

If law enforcement officers tricked you into committing a crime, this is known as entrapment and is also illegal.

Lack of Evidence

Law enforcement agencies must have evidence that you committed a crime. In many cases, the evidence is lost or never existed in the first place. Our criminal law firm will ensure that the prosecution does not accuse you of a crime they don’t have evidence of.

Mistaken Identity

Another critical defense is proving that you weren’t the person who owned the substance or carried the drugs into the airport. If we can prove mistaken identity, we can often have the entire case against you dismissed.

Should You Hire Our Fort Lauderdale Defense Lawyers for Drug Trafficking Violations at Airports?

Federal and state penalties for drug trafficking can be substantial. You may lose out on years of your life in a federal prison or face enormous fines. After the legal penalties, you could face a social stigma that haunts you for years, making it difficult to find a job or housing.

Our legal team is the group you want in your corner when facing serious charges like drug trafficking. Our drug trafficking attorneys have what it takes to protect your freedom and way of life. We promise to leverage our skills, knowledge, and dedication as we relentlessly pursue a favorable outcome on your behalf.

Call George Reres Law, P.A. at 954-543-1186 to schedule your free initial consultation today.