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?
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
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 criminal defense attorney in Miami for help.
Stroleny Law, P.A. handles a variety of criminal law cases, so call now if you have any questions.
View more contact information here: Criminal Defense Attorney in Miami.