Andrew D. Stine, P.A. - Florida Criminal Defence Attorney

Law enforcement officers are seeing a rise in crack cocaine distribution around South Florida. The issue is making its way up the chain spurring undercover sweeps and the like. If you have been accused of possessing or trafficking cocaine, it is imperative you contact a lawyer immediately because law enforcement officials are trying to keep a closer eye on drug trafficking.

Fighting a drug charge can be extremely complicated. Now with the new changes in the Florida Drug Law, things may be even more confusing. A criminal defense lawyer is the best person to speak with if you have questions about the drug crime allegations against you. Since Orange County Judge Mary Scriven found the Florida Drug Abuse Prevention and Control law unconstitutional, charging offenders with drug crimes involving intent is becoming a grey area.

Serious crimes committed by police officers usually make headlines, but for some reason the immediate consequences do not seem to be as harsh as it could potentially be for citizens that commit the same crime. Two Fort Lauderdale officers have been accused of grand theft, kidnapping, and lying about the case. The grand theft committed could potentially be charged as a third-degree felony. The crime gets even more complicated as the money stolen should have been placed in evidence.

Florida’s passed the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act in 2002 that eliminated criminal intent as an element of the crime. Florida is the only state to eliminate criminal intent. A federal judge has now declared this drug statute as unconstitutional saying that criminal intent is not required to be proven by prosecutors.