At the Griffin Law Office, APC, our San Diego criminal defense attorney specializes in defending clients who are facing state and federal drug trafficking charges.
Drug trafficking, also called drug distribution, is defined as selling, transporting, or distributing large quantities of illegal drugs and is typically charged as a felony, punishable by several years, even decades, in state or federal prison.
What is the Definition of Drug Trafficking?
While federal drug trafficking cases are not confined to California, the Uniform Controlled Substances Act prohibits the selling, transporting, or importation of illegal drugs in California.
Common types of drugs or controlled substances that may give rise to drug trafficking charges include:
- Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
- Heroin
- LSD
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamines
- Opioids or Prescription Drugs, like Oxycodone or Fentanyl
Before a state or federal prosecutor can secure a drug trafficking conviction, they must prove that you knowingly possessed an illegal drug. Our skilled drug trafficking defense attorney in San Diego will outline your case to uncover the facts and apply them to the legal standards for your unique case.
When is Drug Trafficking Considered a Federal Crime?
Drug trafficking is typically both a state and federal crime. Federal law defines drug trafficking as knowingly manufacturing, dispensing, or distributing controlled substances, or counterfeit substances meant to be passed off as controlled substances.
Federal prosecutors will become involved in the case when:
- The drugs cross state lines.
- The case is part of a large-scale drug trade.
- The trafficking took place on federal land.
Prosecutors begin building drug trafficking cases by producing additional evidence that the drugs that you possessed were intended for trafficking purposes.
How Can State or Federal Prosecutors Prove Drug Trafficking Occurred?
Common forms of drug trafficking evidence may include, but is not limited to:
- Business Records Showing Drug Transactions
- Distribution Materials, including Baggies
- Large Amounts of Cash
- Video, Surveillance, or Undercover Officers Showing You Engaged in Trafficking Operations
- Weight Scales
- Witness Statements from People Who Were Aware of or Involved in Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking is typically charged as a felony and may involve a mandatory sentence of several years in state prison and/or substantial fines.
These penalties may be enhanced if the accused has:
- A prior criminal record, especially for drug-related offenses
- Especially large volumes of drugs, weapons, or money
- Involvement in a large criminal enterprise or Racketeering Influenced or Corrupt Organization(RICO)
- Distributed the drugs to minors
If you have been charged with state or federal drug trafficking, contact our skilled San Diego criminal defense attorney to learn more about your legal rights and how we accomplish favorable outcomes for each of our client’s unique needs by calling 619-269-2131 to discuss the details of your case today.