Facing any criminal charge is a serious matter. However, some crimes warrant harsher punishments than others, and knowing your rights when arrested is essential. You should also understand possible defenses, as this can help you beat the charges against you. If you were arrested for drug trafficking charges, knowing how to proceed is vital to protecting your best interest. Keep reading to learn about the possible defenses and how a Bergen County drug possession defense attorney can help you navigate these charges.
Drug trafficking is the manufacturing and transportation of a controlled substance or illicit drug with the intent to distribute or sell. Generally, the severity of the charge will depend on the factors surrounding their arrest. For example, someone charged with trafficking one pound of marijuana will face less time than someone facing charges for transporting 3 tons of cocaine. It is crucial to understand that drug trafficking is considered a federal offense and warrants a felony charge.
Any controlled or illegal substance can fall under trafficking charges, including but not limited to the following:
Though it may seem impossible to evade these charges, there are a number of defenses that may apply to your circumstances.
One of the most common defenses for drug trafficking charges is that the officers on the scene violated the Fourth Amendment Rights via an illegal search and seizure. If an officer does not legally obtain the right to search the possessions of someone accused of a crime, the evidence they found is inadmissible. It doesn’t matter how much or what kind of substance was uncovered if it was not obtained through the proper channels.
Similarly, if an undercover officer convinces you to commit a crime that you otherwise would not have committed, this can constitute entrapment. However, this can be challenging as an officer’s word is always highly valued in a court of law.
When you are arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking, the most important thing you must do is remain quiet. Many people make the mistake of trying to convince the police of their innocence and accidentally implicate themselves in the process. Instead, you should invoke your right to remain silent until you can speak to a lawyer.
If you are facing drug trafficking charges, the single most important thing you can do is hire an experienced attorney. Without a lawyer to examine your case and explore all possible avenues for a potential defense, it is highly unlikely that the charges will work out in your favor.
At the Law Office of Attorney Conway, we understand how serious a drug trafficking charge can be. When you’re facing this offense, we can help. Contact our dedicated legal team today to learn how we can help you fight these charges.
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