Getting arrested for drug trafficking is a nightmare scenario for anyone to consider. The penalties for this crime are extremely severe, and even the possibility of prosecution is cause for extreme concern.
So if you find yourself in that situation, how can you protect yourself from this possibility? What do you need to do if it happens to you?
We’ve got you. In this article, we’re going to give you some helpful information. We’re going to talk about how to beat a drug trafficking charge.
What Is Drug Trafficking?
Drug trafficking is the distribution of illicit drugs in the black market. It is a form of organized crime done by criminals to either smuggle the drugs into a certain area or to sell the drugs to street-level drug dealers.
It is an international problem that has infiltrated, and in some cases, taken hold of many countries throughout the world. Trafficking networks often involve many players, such as suppliers, transporters, financiers, and distributors. This creates a violent market that includes money laundering, corruption, and exploitation.
Moreover, because the trade is profit-driven, the production of drugs can increase rapidly. Drug trafficking can even result in social unrest and a decrease in public safety.
How to Beat a Drug Trafficking Charge
If you are facing a drug trafficking charge, the best thing you can do is to build a strong defense. Below is a step-by-step guide on how you can do this:
Understand Drug Trafficking Laws
Drug trafficking laws are laws that criminalize the production and sale of certain types of prohibited drugs. These laws limit the amount of drugs that people can sell, consume, and distribute through the black market. They are enacted to limit the amount of money that people can earn through the illegal sale of drugs.
The penalties for drug trafficking vary across the nation. Depending on the state, a conviction for drug trafficking can result in a jail sentence of up to a few years and significant fines.
Drug trafficking may also result in the confiscation of assets and criminal forfeiture of property. Most states also have penalties for trafficking offenses that involve larger quantities of drugs.
Gather Evidence
If you are aware of the charges that have been filed against you, it is important to get relevant evidence to defend your case immediately. Gather documents, such as receipts, bank records, and phone records, about the alleged drug trafficking.
Then, track down witnesses that could testify about the incident and secure their contact information. You should also track down any surveillance footage from businesses that may have captured the incident. Then, make sure to have the footage reviewed by a legal expert.
Next, gather all data relating to the incident in its entirety, such as the names of the arresting officers, and the time and date of the incident. Then, interview people implicated in the incident. Remember that it is important to ensure that all evidence is properly collected to ensure that the defense remains valid in court.
Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Hiring a defense lawyer with expertise in drug trafficking laws like this criminal defense lawyer is imperative. The lawyer will be able to look for potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and examine any evidence before the trial itself.
They can also suggest different methods of having the charges reduced. The lawyer can explain the risks versus the benefits of various approaches and provide advice on the best course of action.
A criminal defense attorney can even negotiate with the prosecutor and police to get the best possible outcome. This includes reducing or even dropping the charges.
Develop a Strategy
Enlist the help of your criminal defense lawyer to create a team of experts. This team should include a forensic accountant, drug expert, and a treatment specialist.
The forensic accountant can investigate financial activity to find any proceeds of trafficking. A drug expert will be able to analyze the drugs and determine if the accused is guilty of the charge. A treatment specialist will create a treatment plan to prove to the court that you will have a life free from drug-related activities.
Your attorney will be the one to analyze the facts, scrutinize the arrest and determine legal defenses. Working all together, these experts should collaborate to create the best possible defense.
Utilize Relevant Criminal Justice Reforms
Utilizing relevant criminal justice reforms is a great way to beat a drug trafficking case. These measures will provide you with more lenient sentencing options or even an avenue to dismissal.
For example, many states have implemented ways to suspend or reduce sentences for non-violent drug offenses. Some states make services and programming available to drug offenders. They do this to reduce recidivism and put offenders on a pathway to rehabilitation.
Exchange Substantial Assistance
Substantial assistance can include providing evidence that helps the court determine your innocence. An example is giving up information about an individual dealer or an organization’s drug trafficking activities.
Negotiating with the prosecutor for a favorable plea agreement can also be part of substantial assistance. In exchange for your help, you can receive leniency in the form of reduced charges or a lesser sentence. This may include outlining the specific services that you have provided to the prosecution.
Just be sure that you have thoroughly talked it through with your lawyer if you choose this route. Working with your attorney is important to get the possible deal.
Beating a Drug Trafficking Charge Is Not Easy, but It Is Possible
Drug trafficking charges have serious consequences, and a strong defense is the best way to protect yourself. The right legal representation can help evaluate your case and look for weaknesses in the prosecution’s theory.
As such, if you are facing a drug trafficking charge, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away. With the right help and knowledge, you can beat the charge and protect your future.
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Veronica Baxter is a writer, blogger, and legal assistant operating out of the greater Philadelphia area.
