Drug trafficking charges in California are among the most serious drug-related offenses. A conviction can have severe legal, personal, and financial consequences that can affect your future for years.
Beyond lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines, drug trafficking convictions can create long-lasting obstacles in employment, housing, and even your right to vote. If you are facing drug trafficking charges in California, it is essential to understand the potential impact of a conviction and how our San Diego criminal defense attorney at the Griffin Law Office, APC, can help you navigate the legal process to minimize consequences.
What is Drug Trafficking in California?
Drug trafficking involves the manufacture, distribution, sale, or transportation of controlled substances, such as:
- Cocaine.
- Methamphetamine.
- Heroin.
- Fentanyl.
- Prescription drugs, including opioids or amphetamines.
While drug trafficking is regulated at both the state and federal levels, California law under Health and Safety Code 11352 specifically addresses the sale and transport of controlled substances. Convictions can result from various circumstances, such as possession of large quantities, evidence of intent to sell, or transportation across state or international borders.
Potential Consequences of Drug Trafficking Convictions in California
A drug trafficking conviction can lead to severe consequences that impact different aspects of your life:
Criminal Penalties
- Lengthy Prison Sentences: Drug trafficking carries harsher penalties than simple possession or possession with intent to sell. Depending on the drug type and amount, you could face anywhere from 3 to 9 years in state prison, with potential additional years for transporting drugs across multiple counties or state lines.
- Substantial Fines: Depending on the scale of the operation, fines can reach up to $20,000 under state law and even higher under federal law.
- Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Federal drug trafficking charges often come with mandatory minimum sentences, meaning the judge must impose at least a certain number of years in prison regardless of mitigating factors.
Loss of Civil Rights
- A felony drug trafficking conviction can result in the loss of your right to vote while you are incarcerated and may make it more difficult to regain this right after serving your sentence.
- You may also lose your right to own or possess firearms, a restriction that can be challenging to reverse even after completing probation or parole.
Employment Barriers
- Having a felony drug trafficking conviction on your record can create significant employment challenges. Employers often conduct background checks, and a conviction for trafficking may lead to disqualification from specific jobs, particularly in industries that require security clearances, licensing, or positions of trust.
Housing Difficulties
- Landlords may deny housing applications based on felony convictions, making securing a stable living situation harder. Public housing options may also be limited for individuals with drug trafficking convictions.
Immigration Consequences
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, a drug trafficking conviction can have devastating immigration consequences, including deportation, ineligibility for reentry, and a permanent bar from obtaining U.S. citizenship.
How Our San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
If you are facing drug trafficking charges in California, you do not have to navigate the legal system alone. Here’s how our experienced San Diego criminal defense attorney can make a significant difference:
Challenging the Evidence
Drug trafficking cases often rely on evidence like surveillance, undercover operations, and physical drug seizures. Our attorney can analyze the evidence and challenge its validity by arguing:
- Illegal Search and Seizure: If the drugs were found through an unlawful search or seizure, our defense lawyer can file a motion to suppress evidence, potentially weakening the prosecution’s case.
- Lack of Intent to Distribute: If you were arrested with a large quantity of drugs, the prosecution may try to establish intent to sell. Our defense lawyer can argue that possession alone does not prove intent, especially if the drugs were found in a shared space or belonged to someone else.
- Chain of Custody Issues: Our attorney can scrutinize whether the drugs were handled correctly and stored as evidence, exposing potential lapses that could make evidence inadmissible in court.
Negotiating Reduced Charges
- In some cases, our attorney may be able to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the drug trafficking charges to lesser offenses, such as simple possession or possession with intent to sell. Reducing the charge can lower potential prison time, fines, and other penalties, making the consequences less severe.
Exploring Alternative Sentencing Options
- Depending on your criminal history and the case details, you may be eligible for alternative sentencing options like drug diversion programs, probation, or participation in a rehabilitation program. Our lawyer can present arguments and evidence demonstrating your commitment to rehabilitation, which can help sway the court toward a less punitive outcome.
Protecting Your Rights During Trial
- If the case goes to trial, our skilled defense attorney will develop a strong trial strategy to protect your rights and challenge the prosecution’s case. This includes cross-examining witnesses, presenting evidence in your favor, and arguing for acquittal based on reasonable doubt.
Contact Our San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
Drug trafficking charges are complex and require an aggressive defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances. Our knowledgeable San Diego criminal defense lawyer understands the intricacies of California and federal drug laws, the local court system, and how to protect your rights. With legal representation, you increase your chances of minimizing the consequences of a conviction and pursuing the best possible outcome.
Call 619-269-2131 or contact us online to learn more.