Did you know that you don’t have to be caught selling, transporting or even possessing drugs to face drug charges? Simply agreeing to take part in a drug-related offense can be enough. This is what drug conspiracy charges are all about.
If you and someone else agree to sell, manufacture or traffic controlled substances, you could be charged with drug conspiracy even if you didn’t execute your plan. You don’t need to exchange drugs or cash. If law enforcement can prove that you agreed through a text, a meeting or even being present during planning, you could be charged with a conspiracy offense.
The penalties can be serious
You might think the law will be somewhat lenient because you just agreed to commit a drug offense but didn’t sell or move any drugs. However, criminal conspiracy charges in Florida are treated very seriously. Depending on the type and amount of controlled substances involved, penalties can include mandatory minimum prison sentences and hefty fines. You will also have a criminal record, which can affect your quality of life long after you’ve served your sentence.
Defending against a drug conspiracy charge
In most cases, drug conspiracy charges heavily rely on circumstantial evidence, surveillance and statements from informants or co-defendants. A strong defense strategy may include challenging whether an actual agreement existed, whether you truly intended to participate or whether your actions were misinterpreted.
For example, the case against you may not hold up if you can show that you pulled out of the agreement or persuaded others not to go through with it. Similarly, you may poke holes in the reliability of the prosecution’s evidence. Was the accusation based on hearsay? Was an informant promised a deal in exchange for their testimony?
Having legal guidance can help you build a defense tailored to the specifics of your case and improve the odds of a favorable outcome.