As a law firm providing experienced drug importation / smuggling attorney & lawyer legal services in Stuart, Florida, Martin County, and St Lucie County Florida, we are committed to protecting the legal rights of each and every client, while always striving to provide the highest standard of legal representation.

If you have been charged with a drug importation / smuggling offense, make sure your rights and liberties are protected by seeking the legal advice of a local Stuart drug importation / smuggling defense attorney & lawyer. Contact David Kaplow, P.A., today by calling (772) 221-2100.

Many times an individual accused of drug importation / smuggling may have had their rights violated due to law enforcement not having the appropriate warrant or probable cause to conduct a search. In order for law enforcement to conduct of drug search to be legal, law enforcement agencies or officers must have a valid warrant or probable cause (reasonable belief of guilt – more than mere suspicion.) When a search is improperly conducted or probable cause cannot be substantiated, a person’s rights have been violated. Proof of an unwarranted search could result in the suppression of drug evidence and could make all the difference in the outcome of drug importation / smuggling case.

Depending upon the amount and type of drugs being imported / smuggled, a drug importation / smuggling conviction can range from 3 years in prison and a $25,000-$50,000 fine to 25 years and a $500,000 fine.

Common methods of drug importing / smuggling include, but are not limited to:

• Using, forcing, or participating with another (people or animals), known as a drug mule, to carry the drugs in their body, usually in packets they swallow or insert into an orifice to hide from officials.

• Disguising illegal cargo as another, legal substance, such as disguising a drug as candy or over-the-counter medicine.

• Hiding illegal substances in other items, such as in cans, flowers, diapers, or as labeled food.

• Hiding or incorporating drugs in a large shipment of valid cargo.

One can face drug importation / smuggling charges even if they were not in possession of the drugs if it can be proved that they were an active participant in the attempt of importation. In this case, conspiracy to illegally import / smuggle drugs may be charged.

We have also defended individuals who were in possession of the drugs, but was forced to import / smuggle the drugs under physical threat or eminent threat of death to themselves, friends, or family members.