Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney Blog
Two dozen people, most from Nassau County, are facing felony drug charges after a series of undercover operations over the past several months. Police dubbed the project Operation High on Summertime and said it was aimed at reducing illegal drug activity in the county, according to a report in the Florida Times-Union. All of the charges are related to selling drugs, according to the newspaper report. Media reports do not specify how the operation was conducted, but in many cases undercover detectives secretly record interaction that leads to the sale. And, eventually, to criminal charges and Nassau County Drugs Crimes Cases.
In these Nassau County Drug Cases, most of the charges are for sale of marijuana, sale of cocaine and sale of a controlled substance. In most cases these days, sale of a controlled substance generally means prescription drugs, but it was not specified in this Nassau County Drug Crimes Case. Felony degree depends mostly on the type of drug in these Nassau County Drug Crimes Cases. The difference comes in if the person has enough of the drug to qualify for a trafficking charge, which leads to a host of more serious charges with longer maximum penalties and mandatory minimum sentences that apply. Sale of a controlled substance and sale of cocaine, two of the most common charges in this Nassau County drug bust, are both second-degree felonies with a maximum penalty of 15 years in state prison. Sale of marijuana is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in state prison. In all Nassau County Drug Crimes Cases, marijuana has less severe penalties than other drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamines and prescription drugs such as hydrocodone and OxyContin. Marijuana possession can be a misdemeanor charge, whereas with the other drugs mentioned, even a simple possession charge is a felony in Nassau County Drug Crimes cases.
Police did not specify how many of the people arrested were involved in the same illegal drug operation, though it would be highly unlikely everyone was working independently. There are likely a few different rings represented here. That will be more evident once people start working out plea agreements and being sentenced by the judge. In most of these Nassau County Drug Crimes Cases, police are after a few specific individuals and will look to the smaller players to provide information in exchange for a reduced sentence. Our Nassau County Drug Crimes Attorney has represented people on a variety of drug charges, from possession to trafficking, and charges involving marijuana, cocaine and seemingly everything in between. Our Nassau County Criminal Defense Attorney knows what elements the state must have to prove a sale charge and will thoroughly investigate the charges against you or your loved one.
If you or a loved one needs a criminal defense attorney in Jacksonville or the surrounding area, call The Mussallem Law Firm at (904) 365-5200 for a FREE CONSULTATION. Our Duval County Violent Crimes Attorney, Victoria “Tori” Mussallem, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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