When it comes to drug trafficking, the name alone may be enough to scare you. So, if you’re charged with this crime, it goes without saying that you will be worried about the future.
Drug trafficking laws are in place to punish people who sell, transport and/or import illegal substances, such as heroin and cocaine. The punishment for drug trafficking varies based on numerous factors, including the type of drug, the amount of the drug, the area of distribution and whether or not any children were involved with the operation.
On the low end, a conviction for drug trafficking can lead to a prison term of three to five years. However, in more serious cases, it’s possible that a person could be sentenced to life in prison.
As a felony, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the punishment for drug trafficking is so severe. Taking this one step further, there are both federal and state laws associated with this crime. While not always the case, most states model their laws after the federal guidelines.
With all this in mind, if you are charged with drug trafficking it is important to learn as much as possible about the penalties you could face if convicted.
Since drug trafficking cases differ in many ways, it is a must that you have a defense strategy in place that is meant to minimize the impact on your life. For example, you could be charged with drug trafficking when you weren’t actually the person responsible for moving the substance. In this case, you may be able to avoid the most serious penalties.
Learning more about drug trafficking and having the right defense strategy will allow you to plot the best course for your future.
Source: FindLaw, “Drug Trafficking/Distribution,” accessed July 21, 2016