Federal Drug Crimes

Miami Drug Conspiracy & Racketeering Lawyer

If you have been charged with a Federal or state drug offense you need a lawyer's advice as soon as possible. Federal prosecutors often charge a person with a number of different crimes from a single criminal episode. Almost every Federal drug prosecution includes a charge of "conspiracy". A "conspiracy" charge simply means that two or more people got together and planned to commit a crime. The government doesn't even have to show that the crime was actually committed. All they need show is that two or more people planned it.

One reason prosecutors like to charge conspiracy is because it allows them to introduce certain evidence in court that they otherwise wouldn't be allowed to introduce. Often prosecutors only have prove that one person was buying drugs and the other was selling in order to prove a conspiracy. They don't need direct evidence of a conversation or an agreement. Prosecutors are allowed to argue that the two parties must have had an agreement to commit the crime. If the two parties had an agreement, it was a conspiracy. The drug conspiracy laws give the government a great advantage in court. You must have a skilled, aggressive lawyer to help you fight this type of charge.

At the Law Offices of Bruce A. Alter we specialize in handling drug conspiracy and related drug charges. For more than thirty years we have fought vigorously to even the playing field and protect our clients. It is important that you put an experienced lawyer to work for you.

RICO

Prosecutors often charge drug defendants with violating the racketeering laws (RICO). While RICO laws were passed to prosecute large criminal organizations, the Government often uses the RICO laws to prosecute relatively smaller groups of individuals. One advantage to the government of a RICO prosecution is that it allows for the forfeiture of assets. RICO charges are among the most complex in the criminal law. Having an attorney experienced in this area is essential to obtaining a favorable result.

The outcome of many federal drug charges often depends on search and seizure issues. If law enforcement officers violated your Fourth Amendment rights and performed an illegal search and seizure, the drug evidence can be excluded. This usually results in the dismissal of charges against you.

Federal sentencing guidelines mandate very harsh penalties for drug conspiracy and RICO charges. It is important that your criminal defense attorney be very familiar with the sentencing guidelines and how to take advantage of them.

Free consultation: Contact Miami criminal defense attorney Bruce Alter if you have been charged with a federal drug crime.