If you are dealing with a first-time offender drug trafficking charge, then you are not in a happy scenario at all. In this moment of your life, you can have a lot of worries, as this charge can come with lengthy jail sentences, expensive fines, and a criminal record, which can affect you for the rest of your life. This is why you must consider the help of a specialist lawyer with experience in drug trafficking charges.
If you have the support of the right attorney, you can actually avoid convictions, reduce fines, and lower the jail time. So, working with a drug crime attorney is the right answer when you are in this challenging position.
In this article, we will explore more about drug trafficking charges and why you need the help of an attorney.
Table of Contents
Drug trafficking laws
There are many drug trafficking laws, which were put in place to combat drug abuse. They represent both federal drug laws and those of different states, as each state has its own set of laws. Among all the drug defenses, trafficking is the one that comes with the biggest consequences. For instance, in Massachusetts, the law is different between drug trafficking and drug possession depending on the intent and the quantity of drugs.
The drug possession applies when an individual has, and it is found with controlled substances for personal use. Drug possession is divided into two main categories: actual possession, when the drugs are found on an individual. Then, there is also constructive possession, when the drugs are in a location of an individual, such as their houses or cars.
Drug trafficking is the process of possessing usually large quantities of controlled substances with the aim of selling them. The trafficking charge severity depends to a great extent on the weight and type of drugs that a person has tried to distribute. Among all the drug charges, drug trafficking is the most complex and severe one, so it needs to be backed up by knowledgeable legal counsel.
What types of penalties could a first-time offender receive for drug trafficking?
When you are dealing with a first-time offender drug trafficking charge, you could end up with seized assets, heavy fines, and a jail sentence, which will have a big impact on your life. Receiving this charge for the first time means navigating a daunting reality, as these events will have lifelong consequences. In this scenario, it is essential to understand your rights and seek support from experienced lawyers who will do their best to defend you.
Additionally, ensure you do not say or sign anything until you have spoken with an experienced lawyer.
What roles does intent play in the drug charges?
Intent can make or break your drug trafficking charge. The role of the prosecutor is to show that you were actually planning on distributing the drugs. And there are several ways in which this can be shown as evidence, such as the following:
How can a drug crime attorney help you?
A drug crimes attorney is among the most essential specialists who can help you deal with your criminal charges. Here are the best ways in which they can help.
Build a strong defense around your case
When you receive a drug trafficking offence, the prosecutor needs evidence for it. With the help of a lawyer, you can actually build a strong defense for your case, where the lawyer can focus on areas like the following:
So, you actually need to provide all the information to your lawyer, even if you think it is not important. Start by offering them insights on how the police discovered your drugs. Let’s say that they have searched your apartment or car without permission. In that case, your attorney can challenge the evidence, and the prosecutor might need to drop the charges.
Even in cases when the evidence against you is strong, your lawyer can still build a strong case, so that you will receive fewer challenges.
Negotiate
A lawyer can also help in negotiation, as they are specialists in how the plea deal process works. In this way, they might be able to diminish your most serious charges. This applies even more if you are a first-time offender.
In the most positive scenario, you might go to the drug court, so that you will reduce the chances of going through criminal law proceedings. Here, you can actually receive counseling and drug treatment, which is a much better solution than having a criminal record and receiving jail time. It is a very good idea to talk with your lawyer about whether this drug court option can apply to your case.
Protect your rights
The attorney will do anything in their power to protect your rights. When going through drug trafficking charges, you will actually navigate a time that will have negative effects on you and on your emotions. The federal prosecutors know this, and they will put this to their advantage and will try to make you accept a plea deal. If you don’t have the needed legal information, you could fall into this trap. Instead, with the help of a lawyer, you will be more aware of your rights.
Conclusion
A drug trafficking charge is not a joke, so it should be treated seriously. If you are not aware of drug laws, then you need the support of a lawyer. With this help, you can mitigate the consequences of this process and avoid jail and costly fines.
