Drug trafficking generally refers to buying, selling and distributing controlled substances. Drug trafficking charges are very serious. The state of Michigan has some of the stiffest criminal penalties in America for trafficking in Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 drugs, such as cocaine, heroin and ecstasy. Possession with intent to deliver as little as 50g of these drugs can result in a 20 year sentence; possession with intent to deliver 1,000g or more can bring a life sentence. Convictions for these offenses can also carry fines from $25,000 to $1,000,000. Sales of drugs in specific circumstances, such as near a school or to a minor, can enhance the sentence, as can the defendant’s prior criminal record.
Drug trafficking can take many forms, including selling a controlled substance, possession with intent to sell, distribute or deliver, conspiracy to sell or deliver, and manufacturing or cultivation with intent to sell or distribute. Numerous entities are charged with enforcement of America’s drug trafficking laws, including the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), numerous multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement task forces in the state of Michigan, and other state and local law enforcement.
A competent Michigan criminal defense attorney will target flaws in the prosecution’s case. Drug trafficking charges require proof of an intent to sell or distribute the controlled substance. This is typically based on circumstantial evidence, such as the presence of large amounts of drugs or cash, or the presence of baggies, scales or other drug sales paraphernalia. If this evidence is improperly seized, or if police did not have the right to enter the dwelling where this evidence was located, it may be excluded at trial.
At Grabel & Associates, we are among the foremost attorneys in Michigan in representing individuals charged with drug trafficking crimes involving marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine or prescription drugs. We will thoroughly investigate your case, aggressively represent your interests in court, and advise you of all of your options throughout the course of your case. If you are under investigation for any drug-related crime, or if you have been arrested for any drug trafficking charge, contact our Michigan drug trafficking lawyers today at (800) 342-7896 for a confidential consultation.