Drug trafficking charges are unquestionably serious but if you have been charged with them, you may wonder what they entail and what you are facing. Drug trafficking laws make it illegal to sell, transport or import unlawful controlled substances and provide penalties for the sale, transportation and illegal import of unlawful controlled substances. Unlawful controlled substances include marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and other illegal drugs.
Drug trafficking charges are felony charges which are the most serious charges in the criminal justice system. Sentences for drug distribution charges can be harsh and can range from 3 to 5 years in prison. The sentence the accused individual is facing depends on the situation and circumstances including the amount of drugs involved, the type of drugs involved, the geographic area the drugs were distributed in and whether or not children were targeted by the alleged drug trafficking.
Drug possession charges can graduate to drug trafficking charges if authorities believe they can prove that the accused individual intended to sell the drugs. When an individual has been found with a large quantity of drugs and cash, it is likely they will also be facing more serious drug trafficking charges in addition to drug possession charges. Drug trafficking charges should not be taken lightly and it is in the best interests of the accused individual to immediately begin preparing a strong criminal defense strategy.
There are a variety of ways to challenge drug charges and drug trafficking charges but it is important that accused individuals know what those options are and are able to protect their rights. Familiarity with the protections accused individuals have through the criminal justice system is essential to safeguarding the future and freedom of the accused individual.
Source: Criminal.findlaw.com, “Drug Trafficking/Distribution,” Accessed Oct. 26, 2017