Law Office of Michael L. Fell
900 Roosevelt Irvine, CA 92620
(949) 585-9055

What Are Drug Trafficking Charges and How Can You Fight Them?

As is true in every state, California punishes drug crimes very severely – some more so than others. For example, drug trafficking, though similar to other types of drug crimes, can be charged both on state and federal levels. For this reason, you want an attorney like Law Office of Michael L. Fell who has both federal and state court experience. Read on to learn more about drug trafficking charges and then contact us at (949) 585-9055 to request a free legal consultation.

Selling Drugs and Drug Trafficking Are Not the Same Thing

It is common for people to associate drug trafficking with the sale of drugs but they are different crimes and they each come with their own penalties. In most cases, drug sales are considered a lesser offense and come with lesser penalties. Drug sales would usually income small amounts of a substance and can lead to either misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the specifics of the case and the accused party’s criminal history.

Drug trafficking involves extensive drug activity. It can include selling, manufacturing, possession, and distributing drugs. In many instances, simply having a large amount of illegal drugs can lead to a drug trafficking charge. Drug trafficking is always charged as a felony.

Potential Penalties for Drug Trafficking in California

The specific penalties a person will face depend on a variety of factors, but can include fines in the tens of thousands of dollars and at least a few years in prison. The specific charges and penalties will vary based on the type of drug, the amount, and where the drug related activity took place. For example, if it was within a few feet of a school, the sentence will likely be enhanced.

Reasons Charges Could Be Enhanced

In addition to taking place to a school, there are several other reasons that the charges – and resulting penalties – could be enhanced. If the crime involved possessing drugs while crossing state lines, federal charges could be filed. Enhanced charges can result from involving a minor in the drug-related activities, trafficking drugs across international borders, or trafficking near detox facilities and other protected places.

How to Fight Charges of Drug Trafficking

Finding the best way to defend you will involve a careful consideration of the specific case. We may show that there is no sufficient evidence that you were involved, or show that evidence was not obtained legally, either of which could result in the charges being dropped. We may argue that you were involved but that the crime was that of sales – not trafficking – thus resulting in lesser charges.

The best way to proceed will depend on not just the facts of the case but your criminal background. If it is your first offense, then courts may be more lenient. Regardless of the specifics, there is one thing that is true of all drug crimes: You need a qualified attorney on your side. Contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 now for your free legal consultation.