Defending Individuals Facing Drug Importation Charges In Florida

Importing drugs into the United States and the state of Florida is a serious offense. Laws prohibiting the illegal importation of controlled substances carry mandatory minimum sentences and punishment of up to life in prison based on the type and amount of the substance being imported. In fact, each of the most commonly imported substances including heroin, cocaine, methylenedioxymethcathinone (MDMC, bath salts, flakka), methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy), methylone (molly) and cannabis (marijuana) are all subject to such penalties.

Drug Importation Is A Felony Under Florida State Law And Federal Law

Generally speaking, drugs such as heroin, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, MDMA, and Molly are imported into the United States by vehicle, ship and aircraft. Traditional drug “mules” may import drugs on (or in) their bodies or by using hidden compartments in vehicles, boats and planes. However, the recent surge in the use of synthetic substances such as methylone has intensified importation by common carries such as EMS (Express Mail Service), USPS (United States Postal Service), Federal Express (FedEx), UPS (United Parcel Service), and other shipping carriers. Regardless of the method though, the importation of controlled substances is a serious felony offense in both federal court and the state of Florida.

In order to be found guilty of drug importation under federal law, the government must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that:

• The defendant brought a controlled substance into the United States from a place outside the United States.
• The defendant knew the substance brought into the United States was a controlled substance.
• The defendant knew that the controlled substance would enter the United States.

Similarly, in order to be found guilty of importation under state law, the state must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that:

• The defendant knowingly possessed, sold, purchased, manufactured, delivered or brought into Florida a certain substance.
• The substance is the drug that it is alleged to be, or a mixture thereof.

Attorney Paul Petruzzi has over 20 years of experience defending drug cases. He has represented hundreds of clients charged with, or under investigation for various drug offenses in both state and federal courts. When faced with such serious consequences, it is extremely important to obtain the services of an experienced criminal lawyer in Miami.

Attorney Paul Petruzzi’s knowledge and expertise in this field of law is a vital asset to anyone charged with these crimes.

About The Law Offices of Paul D. Petruzzi, P.A.

This law firm was established by Mr. Paul D. Petruzzi in 1999, several years after he had begun his legal career at another firm. With the founding of this firm. Mr. Petruzzi had the freedom to give clients and their cases his full attention and creativity. With time, additional lawyers and legal staff joined the firm, rounding out the skills and experience. The firm’s mission has been to deliver full-service representation in even the most challenging cases involving:

• Criminal defense, including tough cases litigated through state and federal courts.
• law services, including divorce, child custody and other legal matters affecting family relationships.

Members of the firm conduct in-depth investigations as part of the firm’s own work, as well as handling fact-finding for other law firms. The team welcomes the opportunity to evaluate potential cases and advise inquirers on how to confront their legal issues and to share information about the firm’s many previous successes.

At the firm, clients receive truly customized counsel and representation. Determining a client’s goals and priorities is as important practice as is arguing a case before a jury.

Traditional Or Informal?

Depending on the facts of a case and what has happened so far, attorneys at the firm might, on any given day, be dressed down in jeans and flannel shirts or dressed up as if for trial. Adapting methods to needs is a core value at the Law Offices of Paul D. Petruzzi, P.A. Making clients feel at ease is one of the hallmarks of the firm. Preparing a case “as if for trial” is a key distinction describing diligent preparations for each clients’ criminal, family law or other legal matter.

Contact The Firm Today

For complete details about Mr. Petruzzi’s background, expertise, and experience click here.

To schedule a consultation, call 305-330-3905 or email our law offices today.