During a stretch that spanned both August 30 and 31, a total of 22 suspected drug dealers were arrested in the Fort Lauderdale neighborhood of South Middle River by local police. Aiding this group in those arrests were members of both the U.S. Marshals Office and the State Attorney’s Office for Broward County.
The arrests were part of Operation Bad Karma, an investigation that was begun by Fort Lauderdale police six months ago in response to neighborhood complaints. A spokesman with the city’s police department stated that more arrests are likely to be made in the weeks and months ahead as the investigation continues.
A rising increase in crime, which included three murders and apparent drug sales of crack cocaine allegedly being conducted in the open, were at the crux of the uproar. The first murder took place last October, followed by two more in January. At that point, patrols that included “street sweeps” by local police increased.
Among the charges filed against the suspects are delivery of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school, racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering. Also, five firearms and cash alleged to be connected to drug sales were discovered by police.
Given the scope of the charges, the suspects are in need of a Fort Lauderdale criminal attorney with the experience and background to handle these types of cases. Kenneth Hassett and the members of his law firm are well-versed in approaching such circumstances due to their knowledge of the Florida legal system.
Without such experience, those individuals charged with drug crimes can face conviction on evidence that can sometimes be suspect. The State Attorney is required by Florida law to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that any suspect charged with such crimes was guilty of any number of aspects of a drug deal.
Such areas can include purchasing, selling, manufacturing or possession of controlled substances. Having Kenneth Hassett to serve as a passionate advocate in the courtroom assures the accused that they’ll have a Fort Lauderdale criminal attorney intent on achieving the best possible result, including acquittal.
So if you or someone you know is in need of a Fort Lauderdale criminal attorney, contact the law offices of Kenneth Hassett to set up a free consultation regarding your case. He can take into consideration the facts involved and then give an educated assessment of what lies ahead for the accused.
