The crime of drug trafficking is one of the most serious drug crimes. When people think of drug trafficking, they usually think of the drug lords and drug cartels. However, drug trafficking is a crime that anyone can commit simply by possessing a certain amount of drugs—regardless of whether they are selling them.
What is Drug Trafficking?
When a person transports, sells or possesses a substantial amount of illegal drugs, they engage in drug trafficking. You can be charged with drug trafficking any number of substances, whether illegal drugs, chemicals, or prescription drugs. Some of the most common drugs that can be used to charge someone with drug trafficking are:
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Heroin
- Oxycodone
It is sometimes enough just to have a large amount of a drug, even if all evidence points out that it is for personal use.
Possible Penalties for Drug Trafficking
A drug trafficking conviction can carry a wide range of penalties, depending on the arrest’s circumstances. Possible penalties depend on several factors, including:
- Drug type
- Drug quantity
- Crime location
- Criminal history of the defendant
Most drug trafficking charges are felonies punishable by heavy fines and mandatory minimum prison terms. The sentence can be even more severe if the defendant has a prior criminal record.
Defenses to Drug Trafficking Charges
There are many defenses you can raise against drug trafficking charges. These defenses include:
- You lawfully possessed the drugs (e.g., you had a valid prescription)
- You didn’t realize you had the drugs
- The evidence seized was not a controlled substance
- You were simply an innocent bystander at the wrong place and wrong time
Attorneys can often help in the most difficult of cases, even when there do not appear to be any available legal defenses.
You must contact an attorney as soon as possible if you have been accused of drug trafficking in Miami. The attorneys in our firm are dedicated to protecting your rights and will do everything in their power to secure the best possible outcome for you. You must hire an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your drug trafficking case does not negatively affect your reputation, career, or personal life.
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