A large police operation recently included officials from both Florida and another state. The effort reportedly resulted in the arrest of as many as 30 people across the two states. Those arrested have been accused of participating in a drug trafficking operation.
The accused now face a 12-count indictment that includes drug trafficking. Charges of shipping drugs, including cocaine hydrochloride and cocaine base, from another state into Florida are part of the federal indictment. Once here, the drugs were purportedly sold in and around Lake Worth.
The criminal charges faced by those who have been accused could lead to severe sentences if they are convicted. In fact, at least some of those accused could face life in prison if convicted of all charges. However, before that can occur, they will be able to present a defense against the accusations.
Those in our state who face criminal charges such as drug trafficking are entitled to confront all witnesses against them in court. In cases such as this one where a large police operation was involved, the details of that investigation may be the subject of intense scrutiny. This inquiry can assist an accused person in their efforts to clear their names after they are entangled in a criminal drug charge. When a person finds that they face such accusations, it may do well for them to work to understand the laws that apply to the charges made against them as they work to fight the accusations of state and federal authorities. The burden of proof is wholly upon the federal government to prove the allegations in the indictment, and no conviction can be obtained unless prosecutors are able to sustain their burden to the satisfaction of the court.
Source: Bradenton Herald, “WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.: 30 arrested for Arizona-Florida drug conspiracy,” Feb. 20, 2013
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