Legal Help from a Port Saint Lucie Drug Trafficking Lawyer
A suspected “pot-by-post” scheme in South Florida recently ended with the arrest of two men and the discovery of a large amount of marijuana that had apparently been mailed by one of the suspects to himself. Drug charges in Florida can result in hefty fines and lengthy periods of incarceration, which is why those so charged will require the services of a Port Saint Lucie drug trafficking lawyer. Defendants can find the help they need from criminal defense lawyer Jonathan Jay Kirschner.
It was a drug-detection dog that alerted law enforcement personnel after four parcels arrived at a hotel in Port St. Lucie. Weighing nearly 100 pounds, the packages were found to contain cans that were themselves filled with marijuana. The primary suspect was identified as a 34-year-old resident of Lauderdale Lakes, who must have addressed the parcels to himself and then mailed them to the hotel. A search of a home in Newport Isles revealed additional items, including shipping labels, which also belonged to the suspect. He was charged with both the trafficking of more than 25 pounds of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia. A 25-year-old man was also charged with interfering with the arrest of the primary suspect. This was believed to have been one part of a “pot-by-post” operation observed in Florida and elsewhere in the country.
Although the medical use of marijuana is now allowed in Florida, possession and sale of the drug for recreational purposes are still illegal. The possession and sale of small amounts of marijuana are considered misdemeanor offenses, with convictions resulting in up to one year behind bars and a fine of up to $1,000. Cases involving larger amounts will be prosecuted as felonies, with far more serious consequences facing those convicted.
Fortunately, there are a number of defenses available to drug defendants, including claims of entrapment or illegal search and seizure procedures used by the police. In other cases, the defense attorney may be able to work out a plea bargain or a diversionary plan that can significantly reduce the penalty. If the case goes to trial, the prosecutor has the responsibility of proving guilt, which may be difficult when having to deal with a rigorous defense. An attorney will serve as an adviser and advocate for the defendant, always striving for the best possible outcome in a drug case.
Hiring a Port Saint Lucie Drug Trafficking Lawyer
Those facing drug charges can best help themselves by contacting Port Saint Lucie criminal defense lawyer Jonathan Jay Kirschner at 772-489-8501.
