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Drug trafficking is a felony, which subjects the individual to severe penalties if convicted. Even trafficking a seemingly minor substance such as marijuana can mean four years in prison. At The West Michigan Criminal Defense Law Firm, our attorneys are capable of reaching the best possible outcome for our clients. Whether you have been charged with intent to deliver marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines or other illegal drugs, it is critical that you have a competent and effective lawyer by your side to protect your rights.
People who are being investigated by authorities for drug trafficking should consult with an attorney immediately. Prosecutors reserve accusations of selling or distributing drugs for those they consider to be the worst offenders. Criminal charges relating to the delivery or distribution of illegal narcotic drugs other than marijuana can leave an individual imprisoned for 20 years to life, depending on the quantity of the drug involved.
The most common federal drug crime, which amounts to 37 of all federal drug crimes are Cocaine related charges such as cocaine distribution. Cocaine is a drug made from the coco leaf. This leaf comes from South America. The cocaine extraction process involves heating the coco leaves. After the producers heat the leaves, they then cool the coco leaves. After the heating and cool of the leaves, alcohol is then added. The alcohol is then distilled. It is true that some U.S. pharmaceutical companies make cocaine. They do so for medical purposes. Cocaine is snorted because it cannot be smoked. It has a high boiling point and therefore cannot be smoked.
While drug possession and drug trafficking are two different things, prosecutors associate large amounts of illegal narcotics with an intention to sell or distribute those drugs. In all West Michigan Courts, possession of high amounts of illegal drugs could result in extremely severe punishments. Possession of as little as 25 grams of cocaine could leave you facing a fine of $25,000 and up to 4 years in prison.
Individuals who have been convicted previously for possession, delivery or trafficking of drugs will result in a lifetime prison sentence with no chance of parole, probation or suspended sentencing according to Michigan Penal Code (333.7413).
Michigan law assumes that individuals do not generally carry or possess large amounts of drugs or illegal narcotics for personal use; therefore, police and prosecutors believe that those who possess a large amount of a drug intend to sell, distribute or deliver that drug. Essentially, the intentions of the individual caught in possession of drugs and the quantity he or she is holding are determining factors in being charged with drug trafficking. No money has to change hands; in fact, money is not a factor. Simply handing a large quantity of illegal drugs or narcotics over to another individual can leave you facing serious consequences.
Federal and state prosecutors pursue individuals who are suspected of trafficking drugs aggressively. It is imperative that you contact The West Michigan Criminal Defense Law Firm whether you have already been arrested, or are the target of an investigation. Our team will explore every possible defense option. We know how crucial it is to analyze every detail of the client’s case in order to secure a positive outcome.
There are many questions that should be asked when an individual is arrested for drug trafficking. For example, how did police locate the drugs? When evidence is seized in the course of an illegal search, evidence must be thrown out.
Early intervention is often the best way to protect your legal rights, freedom, and future. Our Michigan criminal defense attorneys understand how prosecutors work, and that they are often overzealous in their efforts to put anyone they believe to be involved with drugs on any level behind bars.
President Barack Obama signed the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010. The reason he did so was to “restore fairness to Federal cocaine sentencing“ laws. The Act was passed to reduced disparity in federal crack vs. powder cocaine sentencing from 100 to 1 to 18 to 1. Some people believed the law was racist, because it punished African-Americans who used crack more compared to Caucasians who used cocaine more. Cocaine is considered the drug of choice for the rich. The new law was applied retroactively. People who were sentenced under the old statue could get re-sentenced. This means their prison sentences would be significantly reduced.
Attorney Shawn Haff
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