The Law Office of Mark P. Rankin, P.A. The Law Office of Mark P. Rankin, P.A.2026-05-14T15:53:30Zhttps://www.rankinlawoffice.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1404711/2023/07/cropped-site-identity-32x32.pngOn Behalf of The Law Office of Mark P. Rankin, P.A.<![CDATA[Dealing with the DEA: what higher – level drug distributors need to know]]>https://www.rankinlawoffice.com/?p=472882025-07-07T20:01:09Z2025-01-28T23:25:56ZThe Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is a name that can make even the most stone-cold kingpin break a sweat. If you're in the business of distributing drugs at a mid to high level, you might wonder what to do if the DEA comes knocking. We're here to offer some guidance on how to handle this tricky situation.
Understanding the DEA's role
The DEA is responsible for enforcing the United States' controlled substance laws. Their goal is to prosecute people involved in drug trafficking organizations and dismantle them from within. If you're a higher-level drug distributor, you should know the role the DEA plays and how they operate. Here are a few key points to be aware of:
Surveillance and investigation: The DEA employs various methods to gather evidence, including surveillance, wiretaps, and informants
Coordination with other agencies: They often work with local, state, and other federal agencies, which can lead to a wide-reaching investigation
Indictments and arrests: Once enough evidence is present, the DEA will proceed with indictments and arrests
Knowing these key points can help you anticipate their moves.
Talk to a lawyer sooner rather than later
If you suspect that you're under investigation, the best course of action is to seek legal counsel immediately. Here's why:
Protection of rights: A lawyer can ensure your rights are protected during any investigation or legal proceedings
Strategic advice: Legal experts can offer strategic advice tailored to your specific situation
Negotiation skills: Experienced attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors, potentially reducing charges or penalties
Early intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
The DEA contacted me. What do I do?
If you find yourself on the DEA's radar, keep these tips in mind:
Stay calm: Panic can lead to rash decisions–remain calm and think clearly
Do not speak without legal counsel: Anything you say can be used against you, so it's best to have an attorney present during any discussions
Gather and preserve evidence: Collect any documents or evidence that might support your case
Avoid discussing the case: Refrain from discussing details with anyone other than your attorney
By following these guidelines, you can better navigate the complexities of a DEA investigation.Facing the DEA can be daunting, but understanding their role and the importance of early legal intervention can help you manage the situation. Remember, the right legal strategy can be the difference between a favorable outcome and a challenging legal battle. Always consult with a legal professional to ensure you're doing the right things.]]>On Behalf of The Law Office of Mark P. Rankin, P.A.<![CDATA[Florida crackdown on fentanyl: Are aggressive efforts leading to false charges?]]>https://www.rankinlawoffice.com/?p=472572024-07-17T15:50:46Z2024-07-17T15:50:46Zrecent example, officers arrested 19 people in the Fort Walton Beach area and are moving forward with trafficking and racketeering charges. This is in addition to the over 400 arrests made for similar charges over the past year.
Why the surge in fentanyl related arrests?
Part of the reason is a new initiative within the state. Governor Ron Desantis recently signed the State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (SAFE) program into law. This law aims to combat illegal fentanyl activity by providing funds to aid qualifying investigative efforts such as overtime costs and purchase of additional equipment.
What are the potential penalties?
Drug trafficking conspiracy charges related to fentanyl are serious offenses that can have severe legal consequences. It is important for anyone accused of such crimes understand the legal landscape and take appropriate steps to protect innocence. The process generally includes a multi-faceted approach depending on the charges.
Defendants may face charges for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, or other controlled substances. If convicted, penalties can include imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture of assets. Those who face such charges should take steps to challenge the evidence and establish lack of intent. In the tragic situation where someone dies due to fentanyl exposure, those who are present or otherwise involved may also face homicide charges.
Those in this situation are wise to take the matter seriously. You do not have go through the criminal justice process on your own. You can seek legal counsel to represent your interests and better ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.]]>On Behalf of The Law Office of Mark P. Rankin, P.A.<![CDATA[What happens to Tampa police who falsify evidence?]]>https://www.rankinlawoffice.com/?p=472182023-11-06T13:26:11Z2023-11-05T21:16:41Zcriminal justice system and should not be trusted to testify in court. This is why state attorneys in Florida are required to keep so-called "Brady lists" of law enforcement agents who have damaged their credibility and provide that list to defense attorneys. The name comes from a 1963 Supreme Court case called Brady v. Maryland. Some of the 90 officers on the list in Florida are there for deceptive police work. Others are included because they were convicted of crimes like domestic violence and DUI.
Police union-backed law weakens Florida's Brady list
However, a new law changes the Brady list requirement to only ask state attorneys to keep a list "at [their] discretion" or provide the information to defense lawyers some other way. The new law also gives officers the right to petition the court to get themselves removed from a Brady list or ask the state attorney to reconsider putting them on the list in the first place. The law was the result of lobbying from the Fraternal Order of Police.
Needed more than ever
Police misconduct is not often a factor in criminal law matters. But doctored, tainted or planted evidence does happen. So does an officer perjuring themself on the stand or in a deposition to try to get the defendant unjustly convicted. Especially with the changes in the law, only the support and efforts of an experienced defense attorney can help expose an officer's poor credibility and fight to avoid injustice.]]>On Behalf of The Law Office of Mark Rankin, P.A.<![CDATA[Hillsborough County Bar Association Criminal Law Section Awards Mark Rankin the 2019 Marcelino “Bubba” Huerta III Award]]>https://www.rankinlawoffice.com/?p=460772023-07-10T04:25:38Z2020-03-24T04:19:20ZOn Behalf of The Law Office of Mark Rankin, P.A.<![CDATA[Mark Rankin Recognized By Best Lawyers in America]]>https://www.rankinlawoffice.com/?p=460752023-07-10T04:25:43Z2020-03-24T04:17:13ZOn Behalf of The Law Office of Mark Rankin, P.A.<![CDATA[Mark Rankin Honored by Super Lawyers For The 11th Consecutive Year]]>https://www.rankinlawoffice.com/?p=460732023-07-10T04:25:47Z2020-03-24T04:14:06ZOn Behalf of The Law Office of Mark Rankin, P.A.<![CDATA[Mark Rankin Recognized As a Legal Elite By Florida Trend Publication]]>https://www.rankinlawoffice.com/?p=460712023-07-10T04:25:51Z2020-03-24T04:06:40ZOn Behalf of The Law Office of Mark Rankin, P.A.<![CDATA[Mark Rankin Recognized As a Champion By Best Buddies]]>https://www.rankinlawoffice.com/?p=460792023-07-10T04:25:55Z2020-02-24T05:23:03Zhere.]]>