Sarasota Bradenton International Airport
Since 9/11, officials at the airports have taken a strict zero-tolerance approach when taking action in any type of criminal investigation at the airport. The most common types of criminal accusations at the airport involving bringing contraband through a security checkpoint including a firearm, weapon or drugs.
In many of these cases, the person accidentally brings the contraband into the airport in a carry on bag. Regardless of the circumstances, the officers sometimes make an arrest first and let the judge decide later.
Other criminal accusations that occur at an airport can including DUI on the airport property or disorderly conduct for public intoxication. For cases at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), these criminal charges can be investigated by the Homeland Security, TSA, airport security or officers with the Airport Police Department.
For example, the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority (SMAA) Police Department is an independent FDLE certified Police Department under the Airport Authority.
Attorney for an Arrest at the SRQ Airport in Sarasota, FL
If you are under investigation or if you were arrested or cited for a crime at the SRQ Airport, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. The attorneys at Sammis Law Firm represent clients throughout the Tampa Bay area including all of Sarasota County and Manatee County.
We are familiar with the tactics used by officers with the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority (SMAA) Police Department, an independent FDLE certified Police Department under the Airport Authority.
We also represent clients when a criminal investigation is turned over to the State Attorney’s Office. We work hard to convince the prosecutor with the State Attorney’s Office not to file any criminal charges.
Call (813) 250-0500 today.
Possession of a Firearm at the Airport in Sarasota, FL
If you present yourself and your property for inspection at a security checkpoint in the SRQ-Sarasota Bradenton International Airport and during the screening process, contraband is found, then you can be charged with a crime under state law.
In addition to being charged with carrying a concealed weapon or firearm, you might also be issued a violation notice by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). For instance, possessing a firearm is a violation of Title 49 C.F.R. Section 1540.111(a) of the Transportation Security Regulations.
After such a violation, the TSA, through an aviation compliance section chief, will propose that you pay a civil penalty. If you decide not to pay the proposed civil penalty, then you can submit evidence for consideration, submit information for consideration in support of a reduction of the civil penalty, request an informal conference or request a formal hearing.
If you fail to take appropriate action outlined in the proposed Order Assessing Civil Penalty, then TSA will proceed with an enforcement action. Keep in mind that the payment of a civil penalty is separate from any other federal, state, or local criminal proceeding that may have been brought against you.
Resolution of the civil penalty action will not resolve any such criminal proceeding. Similarly, resolution of any criminal proceedings that may have been instituted against you will not resolve the civil penalty action through the DHS/TSA Special Enforcement Program Office.
This article was last updated on Tuesday, December 12, 2017.
