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Practice Areas
| Law offices of Bruce A. Alter 2937 SW 27th Ave. Suite 202 Miami, FL 33133 Phone: 305-443-1600 Fax: 305-445-9666 |
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 | Off-site / evening & weekend | |
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| Se Habla Espanol / Spanish | |
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| Telephones answered 24 hours | |
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Since the Government announced its "War on Drugs," prosecutions for drug related offenses have
skyrocketed. Charges vary from simple possession for personal use, to the more serious offenses of
manufacturing, distribution and drug trafficking. The penalties for drug charges in the State of Florida are
often quite harsh. It is very important that one accused of any drug related offense contact an experienced
criminal attorney.
Ecstasy
Ecstasy (MDMA) and other "party" drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamines (crystal meth), are quite
prevalent in South Florida. These crimes are vigorously prosecuted in Florida. Because their use is linked
to drug addiction and even death, penalties have drastically increased. Even simple possession of Ecstasy
can result in imprisonment. Consequently any arrest must be treated seriously
Drug Trafficking
Drug Trafficking in Florida is among the most serious drug offenses. All Drug Trafficking convictions require
the court to impose a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment, which can range from three years to life.
A person can be convicted of Drug Trafficking even if the government cannot prove the drugs were being
sold or distributed. Simple possession of a certain amount of ecstasy, marijuana, cocaine,
methamphetamines, heroin, or another controlled substance may constitute Drug Trafficking if it is over a
threshold amount. An experienced criminal attorney must find ways to avoid the mandatory sentences.
Drug Manufacturing and Cultivation Charges
Cultivation of Marijuana in "grow houses" (hydroponics) and processing drugs in "labs" used to make
methamphetamines or other controlled substances are prosecuted under the drug manufacturing laws.
Most drug manufacturing laws have mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment as the punishment, similar
to the Drug Trafficking laws. Drug manufacturing involves a higher penalty than possessing or selling drugs.
Federal Drug Crimes
Most drug violations can be prosecuted by the Federal government or the local state government. The
decision to prosecute the case in Federal court depends on a number of factors, including the amount of
drugs involved, the investigating agency, etc. Almost all drug charges in Federal court include a charge of
"conspiracy". Conspiracy simply means that a person entered into an agreement with others to violate the
law. Federal laws and procedures are much different than State laws. It is important that one accused of or
investigated for violation of a Federal law have an attorney experienced with Federal prosecutions.
Search & Seizure Laws
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees everyone the right to be free from
unreasonable searches and seizures. The law strictly controls the ability of police officers to search people,
to search their personal property, and to seize anything they find. If the police engage in an illegal search
or seizure, then the evidence is "suppressed", i.e., it can't be used in court. This most often results in a
dismissal of the charges, despite the person's guilt or innocence. An attorney who specializes in criminal
law must stay current on all developments in this important area of the law, as the laws are constantly
changing.
Money Laundering & Forfeiture Law
Money laundering occurs when a person hides assets obtained illegally, or uses money derived from an
illegal activity to promote further illegal activity. Most money laundering cases are brought in Federal
Court, and the penalties are severe. Money laundering cases are complex, involving financial records,
business ledgers, wire transfers, etc. An experienced lawyer is critical to a person's success at defending
this type of charge. Additionally, the Government may seek to forfeit any item that it can prove was
purchased with money obtained from an illegal activity, or that was used during the commission of the
crime. Almost every major drug investigation or arrest is accompanied by a money-laundering charge or
asset forfeiture. A conviction can result in not only incarceration, but also financial ruin.
Internet Crimes
Criminal investigation and prosecution of Internet related crimes is growing as the Internet grows. Virtually
every State and Federal law enforcement agency now has a specialized division to focus on computer and
Internet crimes. These include such crimes as gambling, pornography, identity theft, and sexual
exploitation of children. Internet crimes are a relatively new area of the law; a criminal lawyer experienced
in this area can develop new and novel defenses to help win a case.
Assault & Murder
Crimes of violence, including assault, robbery, or murder, are most often prosecuted in the State court
system. A sophisticated sentencing guideline system controls the sentence a judge must give. Also there
are severe penalties for any crime involving a firearm. Representation by a skilled lawyer is absolutely
critical. The consequences upon conviction are severe.
Free consultation: Contact Miami criminal defense attorney Bruce Alter if you have been charged with a
crime.
skyrocketed. Charges vary from simple possession for personal use, to the more serious offenses of
manufacturing, distribution and drug trafficking. The penalties for drug charges in the State of Florida are
often quite harsh. It is very important that one accused of any drug related offense contact an experienced
criminal attorney.
Ecstasy
Ecstasy (MDMA) and other "party" drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamines (crystal meth), are quite
prevalent in South Florida. These crimes are vigorously prosecuted in Florida. Because their use is linked
to drug addiction and even death, penalties have drastically increased. Even simple possession of Ecstasy
can result in imprisonment. Consequently any arrest must be treated seriously
Drug Trafficking
Drug Trafficking in Florida is among the most serious drug offenses. All Drug Trafficking convictions require
the court to impose a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment, which can range from three years to life.
A person can be convicted of Drug Trafficking even if the government cannot prove the drugs were being
sold or distributed. Simple possession of a certain amount of ecstasy, marijuana, cocaine,
methamphetamines, heroin, or another controlled substance may constitute Drug Trafficking if it is over a
threshold amount. An experienced criminal attorney must find ways to avoid the mandatory sentences.
Drug Manufacturing and Cultivation Charges
Cultivation of Marijuana in "grow houses" (hydroponics) and processing drugs in "labs" used to make
methamphetamines or other controlled substances are prosecuted under the drug manufacturing laws.
Most drug manufacturing laws have mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment as the punishment, similar
to the Drug Trafficking laws. Drug manufacturing involves a higher penalty than possessing or selling drugs.
Federal Drug Crimes
Most drug violations can be prosecuted by the Federal government or the local state government. The
decision to prosecute the case in Federal court depends on a number of factors, including the amount of
drugs involved, the investigating agency, etc. Almost all drug charges in Federal court include a charge of
"conspiracy". Conspiracy simply means that a person entered into an agreement with others to violate the
law. Federal laws and procedures are much different than State laws. It is important that one accused of or
investigated for violation of a Federal law have an attorney experienced with Federal prosecutions.
Search & Seizure Laws
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees everyone the right to be free from
unreasonable searches and seizures. The law strictly controls the ability of police officers to search people,
to search their personal property, and to seize anything they find. If the police engage in an illegal search
or seizure, then the evidence is "suppressed", i.e., it can't be used in court. This most often results in a
dismissal of the charges, despite the person's guilt or innocence. An attorney who specializes in criminal
law must stay current on all developments in this important area of the law, as the laws are constantly
changing.
Money Laundering & Forfeiture Law
Money laundering occurs when a person hides assets obtained illegally, or uses money derived from an
illegal activity to promote further illegal activity. Most money laundering cases are brought in Federal
Court, and the penalties are severe. Money laundering cases are complex, involving financial records,
business ledgers, wire transfers, etc. An experienced lawyer is critical to a person's success at defending
this type of charge. Additionally, the Government may seek to forfeit any item that it can prove was
purchased with money obtained from an illegal activity, or that was used during the commission of the
crime. Almost every major drug investigation or arrest is accompanied by a money-laundering charge or
asset forfeiture. A conviction can result in not only incarceration, but also financial ruin.
Internet Crimes
Criminal investigation and prosecution of Internet related crimes is growing as the Internet grows. Virtually
every State and Federal law enforcement agency now has a specialized division to focus on computer and
Internet crimes. These include such crimes as gambling, pornography, identity theft, and sexual
exploitation of children. Internet crimes are a relatively new area of the law; a criminal lawyer experienced
in this area can develop new and novel defenses to help win a case.
Assault & Murder
Crimes of violence, including assault, robbery, or murder, are most often prosecuted in the State court
system. A sophisticated sentencing guideline system controls the sentence a judge must give. Also there
are severe penalties for any crime involving a firearm. Representation by a skilled lawyer is absolutely
critical. The consequences upon conviction are severe.
Free consultation: Contact Miami criminal defense attorney Bruce Alter if you have been charged with a
crime.