Big Consequences for Mailing Any Drug…Even Marijuana
Have you been thinking about mailing out some packages? Perhaps you thought it would be nice to send one of your friends or family members a controlled substance, such as marijuana. While marijuana has been decriminalized in several states, you are still not allowed to send it in a package through the US mail. If you do so, it is considered drug trafficking and you could face felony charges.
Criminal defense attorneys in Miami know there are more than a thousand people each year arrested for trafficking drugs through the United States postal service. In the year 2015, there were over 34,000 pounds of marijuana recovered by the United States Postal Service. Marijuana is the most commonly seized drug by the USPS.
Why Would Someone Ship Marijuana through the Mail?
One of the main reasons that a person may attempt to send marijuana through the mail is because the fourth amendment offers some protection to them as citizens. This amendment states that a postal worker cannot open up most packages sent through the mail without a search warrant and probable cause. Other carriers such as FedEx, DHL, and UPS, do not provide this type of protection, as they may open up any package they wish.
What are the Penalties for Mailing Marijuana and other Drugs?
If you choose to use the United States Postal Service for an illegal activity, there are hefty penalties if you are caught. Since the USPS is a federal entity, using it illegally results in a felony charge. It is important to remember that while some states have decriminalized marijuana, it is still a schedule 1 drug under federal law. This means that mailing any amount of marijuana could land you in prison for a minimum of five years. Mailing large amounts of marijuana or another type of drug, such as cocaine or heroin, increases the penalties.
Our criminal defense attorney in Miami also points out that the penalties for mailing drugs do not only apply to the person who mailed the package, but also to the person who receives it. If you know that you are receiving a package containing drugs, you are considered just as guilty. In fact, the person receiving the package may face drug trafficking charges not only in the state that they receive it in, but in the state it was sent from as well.
Contact Our Criminal Defense Attorney in Miami
Marijuana has been decriminalized in several states. However, it is still considered illegal at the federal level. Since the USPS is a federal government entity, if you send any amount of drugs through the mail, it is considered a serious crime.
The state of Florida has some of the strictest drug laws in the country. If you have been accused of mailing drugs, you need legal representation immediately. Contact our drug crime defense attorney in Miami for help.
Stroleny Law: Criminal Defense Attorney handles a variety of criminal law cases, so call now if you have any questions.
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