Fourteen suspected cocaine dealers in Fernandina Beach (Nassau County), Florida were arrested this week, according to an article at www.Jacksonville.com. According to the article, the arrests and charges were the result of a six month investigation into drug dealing in the Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island areas. Apparently the investigation involved the Jacksonville, Florida office of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and the local Fernandina Beach police department. The police officers allegedly used undercover police officers to make drug purchases from Side Hustle Fashions, which is a clothing and shoe store in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Police also executed search and seizure warrants and seized significant quantities of drugs and cash (Police often seize cash and other property that they believe are proceeds of, or related to, illegal drug activity. However, there is a procedure criminal defense lawyers can follow to return that money and property for people when they are improperly seized.)
The article indicates that some of the the fourteen people arrested and charged with drug crimes as a result of the Fernandina Beach drug investigation will end up in federal court while others may face state charges. While there are significant differences between charges, sentences and procedures in the federal system as opposed to the state system, most of the charges will involve the sale and delivery of crack cocaine.
If you have any questions about your rights in a drug case, or any other criminal case, whether it is in the federal criminal system or the state system, contact a law firm whose attorneys have the experience and knowledge to understand all of the legal issues in a complex criminal case and will protect your rights if you have been arrested and charged.