What Is Drug Conspiracy in Florida?

One of the most confusing aspects of United States law is the concept of “conspiracy.” Some legal scholars argue that conspiracy laws are unconstitutional. Regardless, there are many situations in which Fort Lauderdale residents may face conspiracy allegations, and these allegations can lead to serious charges. One of the most common conspiracy charges involves the distribution of illegal drugs. What does “drug conspiracy” actually mean, and what kind of consequences might you face for this offense?

Florida Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Drug Conspiracy 

On October 2nd, the Justice Department reported that a Florida man had been sentenced to 25 years behind bars for drug conspiracy. This should give you an idea of how serious conspiracy charges can be. This individual was accused of conspiring with others to distribute over 50 kilograms of meth and “thousands” of fentanyl pills in the Northern District of Florida. In 2021, he was found with over a kilogram of meth, fentanyl, and heroin. In addition, evidence was introduced that he had offered to pay a witness $10,000 for not testifying against him in court.

What Exactly IS Conspiracy? 

Conspiracy comes from the Latin verb “conspirare,” which literally means “to breathe together.” Conspiracy involves two or more people getting together and agreeing to commit an illegal act. One of the most important things to remember about conspiracy laws is that the relevant offense doesn’t even need to occur for defendants to face these charges. In other words, two or more people may get together and plan out a drug smuggling operation.

Even if they never actually acquire the drugs, vehicles, and employees to carry out this plan, they are technically committing the crime of conspiracy by simply planning the offense in a serious manner. In this way, it is possible for the authorities to charge defendants for crimes that never actually occurred. It is for this reason that many people object to the way conspiracy laws are handled in Florida and the United States – with some going as far as referring to them as “thought crimes.”

Why Are Drug Conspiracy Charges So Common? 

Drug conspiracy charges are especially common because authorities often make assumptions about alleged drug dealers. They assume that if a drug dealer has a certain amount of drugs in his possession, they must have an intent to sell the drugs rather than use them personally. This might also involve surveillance by the authorities. For example, a defendant’s communications may be intercepted, and the defendant may communicate a willingness to sell a certain quantity of drugs. An undercover police officer might also encourage a drug dealer to agree to these sales. In both cases, a conspiracy charge may arise without the transaction ever actually taking place.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Defense Attorney in Fort Lauderdale? 

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney, look no further than Haber Blank, LLP. Over the years, we have assisted numerous defendants with a range of charges – and we are well aware of the potential complexities involved with conspiracy allegations. With our assistance, you can strive for the best possible outcomes in a confident, efficient manner. Book your consultation today to determine the most appropriate course of legal action.

Sources: 

justice.gov/usao-ndfl/pr/fort-walton-beach-man-sentenced-25-years-federal-prison-drug-conspiracy

law.cornell.edu/wex/conspiracy