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I’m facing a drug crime in South Florida, but what if the drugs were illegally found? Drug Defense Attorney Answers

I’m facing a drug crime in South Florida, but what if the drugs were illegally found? Drug Defense Attorney Answers

I’m facing a drug crime in South Florida, but what if the drugs were illegally found?

 

Great news – if you’re facing a drug crime in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida, but you believe the arrest or the way that the drugs were found was illegal, that is a very plausible defense to the allegation of drug crimes against you in Florida.  

 

If you believe that the drugs responsible for your criminal charge were illegally found, a South Florida criminal defense attorney can argue that police committed a violation of your 4th amendment rights as a possible defense against South Florida drug charges.

 

The search-and-seizure provisions afforded to police by the Fourth Amendment in the US Constitution are all about privacy. 

 

The Fourth Amendment protects you against “unreasonable” searches and seizures by state or federal law enforcement authorities – this includes Florida Deputies, Florida Police, Florida cops, etc. 

 

Imagine you were pulled over for not completely stopping at a stop sign at an intersection, for example. The cop thinks you’re acting nervously, so he or she does a search of your car. The police officer finds marijuana in your car. 

In most courts, this type of scenario will be deemed as an unreasonable search, since not completely stopping at a stop sign is not probable cause enough to search your car. Being or acting “nervous” is also not enough probable cause to search your car. 

 

Therefore, in this type of scenario – if drugs are found in your car but the search that found the drugs was unconstitutional, it is likely that your charges could be completely dropped by the judge – or greatly dismissed in severity.

 

What Searches does the Fourth Amendment allow in Florida? 

The flip side is that the Fourth Amendment does permit searches and seizures that are reasonable. 

 

In practice, this means that the police may override your privacy concerns and conduct a search of you, your home, barn, car, boat, office, personal or business documents, bank account records, trash barrel, or whatever, if:

  • the police have probable cause to believe they can find evidence that you committed a crime, and a judge issues a warrant, or
  • The particular circumstances justify the search without a warrant first being issued (typically a warrant is issued, unless it is a situation that appears to be an emergency or if someone seems to be in danger)

 

When the Fourth Amendment Doesn’t Protect You from Searches in Florida

The Fourth Amendment only applies, and only protects you if a person has a “legitimate expectation of privacy” in the place being searched. For example – at an airport, it is not a violation of your 4th amendment right to have to get patted down – security and TSA don’t need a warrant to search your body at an airport as you go through security because there is not an expectation of privacy, and you should be well aware that you and your things will be searched in some capacity.

 

If not in a place or situation where someone has a “legitimate expectation of privacy,”  the amendment offers no protection because there are, by definition, no privacy issues.

 

Courts generally use a two-part test to determine whether, at the time of the search, a defendant had a “legitimate expectation of privacy” in the place or things searched. 

The two main questions are: 

  • Did the person actually expect some degree of privacy?
  • Is the person’s expectation objectively reasonable—that is, one that society is willing to recognize?

Learn about specific Florida drug crime sentencing penalties here. 

Free Drug Crime Consultations

At Rossen Law Firm, we offer a free initial strategy session to anyone in need of our services. We listen to exactly what happened to you, discuss the results you’re looking to see, and put together a strategy of how to best achieve them.

 

Schedule your free strategy session today to see how we can help you.

Give us a call:

  • Fort Lauderdale: (754) 206-6200
  • Sunrise: (754) 999-2499
  • Boca Raton: (561) 880-8181

South Florida Drug Possession Crimes: How Rossen Law Firm Wins Cases

  • Learn how Rossen Law Firm got a felony cocaine charge dropped in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
  • Learn how we got a felony marijuana delivery charge lowered to a misdemeanor in Boca Raton, Florida. 
  • Learn how Rossen Law Firm got a marijuana delivery charge dismissed with NO arrest in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.   
  • Learn how Rossen Law Firm got a Possession of Cannabis over 20 grams and Drug Paraphernalia charge dismissed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.   
  • Learn how we got a possession of mushrooms charges dismissed in Pembroke Pines, Florida. 
Second DUI, 0.19 Breath
DUI Charge Dismissed
Federal Child Porn Possession
Mandatory Prison Time Avoided
Attempted Murder
Charges Dismissed
How We Win
Second DUI, 0.19 Breath
DUI Charge Dismissed
Federal Child Porn Possession
Mandatory Prison Time Avoided
Attempted Murder
Charges Dismissed
Google Reviews
kevin tabronkevin tabron
00:07 08 Sep 22
In one of the most stressful times in my life, Rossen Law Firm was there for me. Leaving no stone unturned they provided patience and knowledge in every detail of my case. I’m very thankful and proud of this law firm family and especially of my lawyer, Scott Simmons for guiding, defending and helping me in every way possible. He and this law firm family come highly recommended from personal experience!!!
Jason HigleyJason Higley
15:24 26 Aug 22
I had an unfortunate situation with a family member that lead to my arrest and being charged with DV Battery. This was the first time I had ever been arrested so I was very nervous and afraid of what was going to happen to me. After talking with Adam I decided to retain him and let me tell you this was the BEST decision I could have ever made. Adam made me feel so comfortable and confident that everything will turn out the best in my favor. He is professional, ethical and supportive. He was always available too answer any questions or concerns.Not to mention, his team at the office is awesome they are so friendly and welcoming. Anytime I had a question when I called the office they were able to guide me in the rightdirection. They always were in contact with me with any information or updates regarding my case. Adams team is GREAT!Adam delivered, my case was DISMISSED. So if you want an attorney the is gonna fight for you and get the job done retain the BEST there is Adam Rossen!!!
Felix I HFelix I H
13:27 28 Jul 22
Adam Rossen and the team at Rossen Law took great care in handling my case. They are very professional, and get the job done. I was particular relieved to see just how much empathy they showed with me, and how effortless it was to be their client.I literally visited them twice. My initial consultation, and then to pickup the final docs. I have nothing but great things to say about these folks, and I would highly recommend them to anyone. Thanks Guys.
Terry ChristopherTerry Christopher
12:32 09 May 22
I had an amazing experience with The Rossen Law Firm. The staff were very professional. Attorney Susan Lawson went above and beyond working on my case. We were thoroughly prepared for trial. Mrs. Lawson reviewed hours of body and dash camera footage multiple times and aggressively performed depositions on witnesses and law enforcement.The final outcome for me was the state dropped my case, due to the great work Susan and the Rossen team performed. I didn’t even need to go to trial.This law firm does not play around. They pay attention to detail and they FIGHT FOR YOU!Thank you Adam, team, and a special thank you to Susan for your amazing work! I really appreciate you.
Ketiana ProvinceKetiana Province
20:27 23 Mar 22
My experience with Rossen Law Firm was excellent. From the consultation to the end.. My attorney Susan Lawson gave my son's case all the time and attention that was needed to be successful in court. She was confident during all the court proceedings. My favorite part was when she said we are family, never once my son and I were treated other then that. I very much appreciate the knowledge and support I received through Rossen Law Firm.
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