Drug Trafficking Charges: Varying Laws and Penalties

The charges for drug trafficking can ruin your future if you don’t seek legal help. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help make sure you’re given the legal rights you’re entitled to and receive a fair sentence.

Defining Drug Trafficking

The criminal drug laws define drug trafficking as knowingly selling, purchasing, manufacturing, delivering or being in possession of an illegal controlled substance.

All arrests for drug trafficking result in being charged with a 1st degree felony. There are mandatory minimum sentences that must be assessed depending on the drug type and amount, and without the help of a criminal defense attorney, you may face much higher penalties.

Variations in Penalties for Drug Trafficking

Trafficking in Marijuana

If you’re charged with trafficking of marijuana with a quantity between 25 and 2,000 pounds or 300 to 2,000 plants, the penalties are a minimum 3 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. If you’re found with between 2,000 and 10,000 pounds or plants the minimum penalties increase to 7 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. If you’re in possession of 10,000 or more pounds or plants, the minimum penalties are 15 years in prison and a $200,000 fine.

Trafficking in Cocaine

For cocaine the minimum penalties for trafficking 28 to 200 grams is 3 years in prison and a fine of $25,000. Between 200 and 400 grams increases these penalties to 7 years in prison and a fine of $100,000. Possession of 400 grams to 150 kilograms brings the minimum to 15 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

Trafficking in Heroin

Trafficking heroin is the most serious of the commonly distributed drugs and comes with a minimum 3 years in prison and $50,000 fine if you have between 4 to 14 grams. For quantities of 14 to 28 grams the minimum penalties are 15 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. If you’re found with 28 grams to 30 kilograms you’ll be facing 25 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

Legal Representation

An experienced criminal defense attorney will be familiar with laws regarding drug trafficking and will make sure you’re given your right to a fair trial. The assistance of an attorney can help alleviate some of the anxiety and fear in fighting criminal charges.

If you’re not serious about getting legal counsel for your criminal defense you may find yourself unfairly facing higher charges for your crime. Talk to a criminal defense attorney immediately to avoid damaging your chances at seeking the minimum sentence for your charge of drug trafficking.