Drug trafficking charges in San Diego, CA, can be overwhelming and intimidating, given the severe penalties and complex legal processes involved. Understanding your rights and having a solid defense strategy is critical to giving yourself the best chance at beating these charges.
Our team can guide you through the process from start to finish. With over ten years of combined experience, we will put our knowledge and resources to work for you. We have helped numerous clients who were in the same situation as you. Contact Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a San Diego drug trafficking defense lawyer at (619) 357-4977.
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How Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers Can Help If You’re Arrested For Drug Trafficking
If you’re a defendant facing drug trafficking charges in San Diego, California, hiring the right law firm is one of the most important aspects of your case. You need a strong legal team to craft a robust defense for you. Here’s how we can help you:
- We will sit down and listen to you in detail so you can explain what happened.
- We will review any evidence turned over by the district attorney and conduct a thorough investigation of our own.
- Our team will negotiate with the prosecutors to reach an agreement on a plea deal or diversion program.
Our San Diego criminal defense attorneys have been recognized for their achievements by The National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Avvo, and other reputable legal organizations.
If you’re facing drug trafficking charges, we’ll do everything we can to help. Call Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a San Diego drug crimes attorney.
Overview of Drug Trafficking in California
Drug trafficking in California involves the sale, transport, or exchange of illegal drugs. The state takes this crime seriously, particularly when it involves large amounts or especially harmful substances.
Drug Trafficking as a Federal Crime
While drug trafficking is a state offense, it can also become a federal issue. Federal prosecutors tend to step in when the drugs cross state lines, the activity occurs on federal property, or it’s part of a broader drug operation.
What Are the Penalties For Drug Trafficking in San Diego, California?
The penalties for drug trafficking can vary greatly depending on the specifics of the case. Under the law, if you’re caught moving controlled substances between two noncontiguous counties, you could face up to 9 years in prison. A conviction might also result in a fine reaching up to $20,000.
Certain circumstances can lead to even tougher sentences. For instance, if you’re found transporting large quantities of drugs, selling or attempting to sell drugs to someone underage, or conducting these activities near a school, the punishment could be more severe.
Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties
Federal drug trafficking penalties are generally more severe than those at the state level. The consequences largely depend on factors like the type and amount of drug involved and the defendant’s criminal history. You could face sentences ranging from one year to life in prison, accompanied by fines that can reach the millions.
By understanding these potential outcomes, you’ll be better prepared to grasp the seriousness of the situation and the necessity of legal assistance.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested For Drug Trafficking?
If you find yourself facing drug trafficking charges, it’s helpful to understand the defenses that may be available to you. These can vary based on the circumstances of your case, but they offer potential strategies to contest the charges effectively. Below are some of the most common defenses.
Illegal Search and Seizure
One of the most common defenses in a drug trafficking case is illegal search and seizure. The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and requires law enforcement to have a valid warrant (or the presence of exigent circumstances) to search properties, persons, or vehicles.
If the police gather evidence without a warrant or a legitimate exception to the warrant requirement, that evidence may be deemed inadmissible in court.
Personal Possession
Another potential defense is claiming that the drugs in question were for personal use and not for distribution. If the quantity of drugs is relatively small, you might be able to assert that you had no intention of trafficking the substances.
Evidence such as a lack of packaging materials, scales, or other distribution paraphernalia can support this defense. Your attorney can argue that the drugs were solely for personal consumption, which would reduce the severity of the charges.
Lack of Knowledge
Claiming lack of knowledge asserts that you were unaware that you were carrying drugs. This can be a valid argument if, for instance, you were driving a vehicle in which drugs were hidden without your knowledge. To prove this defense, you will need evidence showing you had no control or awareness of the substances.
Entrapment
Entrapment occurs when law enforcement agents lead a person to commit a crime they otherwise would not have committed. If you can demonstrate that the government induced you to engage in drug trafficking, this defense might be applicable.
Evidence such as recorded communications with undercover officers and a lack of prior intent to commit the crime can support an entrapment claim. This is a difficult defense to use successfully, but it is worth considering in some cases.
While facing drug trafficking charges is a serious matter, several defenses may help mitigate the situation, and understanding these defenses allows you to make informed decisions about your legal strategy.
If you’re facing drug trafficking charges, it’s important to reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you get started on your defense, the easier it is to gather appropriate evidence and give yourself the best chance of walking away without a conviction. If you need help, reach out to Blair Defense Criminal Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a San Diego drug trafficking defense lawyer.
