Heroin-Related Charges in Fort Lauderdale
The Detrimental Effects of Heroin
Heroin is a schedule I opioid analgesic in the U.S. This means that, legally, it may only be used for research purposes if a license is obtained. However, millions of people still use the drug recreationally across the country. Similar to other strong opioids such as morphine, fentanyl and oxycodone, heroin is known to induce sublime relaxation and intense euphoria.
Users develop a tolerance to the drug quickly and must steadily increase the dosage in order to achieve the desired effect. For this reason, along with the marked physical dependence which is caused by the drug, heroin is extremely addicting. Unfortunately, addiction to this drug can cause users to commit crimes in order to maintain their daily dosage.
Types of Heroin-Related Crimes in Florida
By law, heroin is considered to be a controlled substance. If you are arrested for possession of the drug, it is considered a third degree felony, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The manufacture and distribution of heroin are also serious crimes that have the potential to be recognized as federal offenses. In order to convict you of these charges, the state must prove that you had an intent to distribute the drug. If you were arrested while performing a sale or were caught with a large quantity of heroin, this intent to distribute may be easily proven.
If you have been charged with any of the following crimes involving heroin, it is in your best interest to contact a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney at Parks & Braxton, PA:
- Possession
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Conspiracy to distribute
- Trafficking or distribution
- Manufacture and production
Trust in a Firm that has Handled Thousands of Cases
It is imperative for you to seek legal counsel if you have been charged with a heroin-related offense. These crimes can bare serious consequences, and without adequate representation, you could spend an unnecessary amount of time in jail or pay gratuitous fines. If you are addicted to heroin and you committed a crime while you were under the influence, an experienced criminal lawyer may even be able to establish a firm defense and prevent you from serving any jail time.
If your arrest was part of a sting operation and undercover tactics and wiretaps were used to incriminate you, the officials involved in your case were required to follow certain legal procedures. If we can prove that these officials cut corners and failed to follow the correct procedures, we may establish a strong defense on this basis. Contact our firm today if you have been charged with a heroin-related offense. These crimes are very serious and require our immediate attention.