If you have been charged with introduction of contraband in Florida, then you may have a defense. Lack of knowledge is a defense that is oftentimes successful when fighting an introduction of contraband case. Attorney Williams can also attack the legality of any search conducted by law enforcement that led to your arrest. Even if you don’t think you have a defense, you should always speak to an attorney to make sure you have a full understanding of how the law applies specifically to your case. If you want to know more about the lack of knowledge defense, or if you want to talk to a lawyer about how to beat your introduction of contraband case in Florida, then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.
In Florida, introduction of contraband is defined under Florida Statutes 951.22 and 944.47. A person commits introduction of contraband when they knowingly introduce, possess, or attempt to introduce or possess, contraband intended for an inmate, into a county jail or state prison, and did not do so through authorized channels.
Contraband is defined as any of the following classes of items:
- written or recorded communications or currency;
- articles of food or clothing;
- intoxicating beverages;
- controlled substances or non-prescription drugs that cause a hypnotic stimulating or depressing effect;
- firearms, weapons of any kind, or explosive substances; and
- cellular telephones or portable communication devices.
Introduction of contraband is a first degree misdemeanor, meaning it is punishable by up to one year in jail, or up to one year on probation and up to $1,000 in fines (you can also get a jail sentence followed by probation, but the length of the punishment cannot exceed one year), if someone introduces written communications, recordings, currency, food, clothing, or alcohol into a county correctional facility.
Introduction of contraband is a third-degree felony, meaning it is punishable by up to 5 years in prison, or up to 5 years on probation and up to $5,000 in fines (you can also get a jail or prison sentence followed by probation, but the length of the punishment cannot exceed 5 years), if someone introduces drugs, weapons, cell phones, or electronic communication devices into a county correctional facility. It’s also a third-degree felony for someone to introduce any form of contraband into a state correctional facility.
Introduction of contraband is a second-degree felony, meaning it is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, or up to 15 years on probation and up to $10,000 in fines (you can also get a jail or prison sentence followed by probation, but the length of the punishment cannot exceed 15 years), if someone introduces a firearm, a weapon or an explosive into a state correctional facility.
In addition to facing prison time, if you are adjudicated guilty of introduction of contraband, you will lose constitutional rights and you’ll have to deal with many other collateral consequences.
Criminal convictions, especially convictions for obstruction related charges, carry severe consequences and can never be removed from your criminal record. If you are convicted of a felony you will lose your right to vote, your right to own firearms, and your ability to maintain certain business licenses. You can also lose your ability to receive financial aid, your ability to live in certain places and your ability to obtain a passport.
If you need an attorney who will advise you, fight for your rights, and do everything possible to protect your future, or if someone you know has been charged with introduction of contraband in Florida then contact Matthew Williams now for a free consultation.