Los Angeles Drug Trafficking Attorney

Los Angeles Drug Trafficking Attorney

If you are facing drug trafficking charges in Los Angeles, you need experienced help. Drug trafficking is a serious crime with severe penalties. Whether the case involves illegal drugs, prescription drugs, or other controlled substances, it’s important to understand your rights and the law.

Hurwitz Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney is here to help you. Our team has experience defending people of all backgrounds against federal drug trafficking charges. We provide a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand the legal options. Our goal is to fight for the best outcome in your drug trafficking case.

With our knowledge of drug laws, we can guide you through the legal process and work to reduce the charges or get them dismissed.

Understanding Drug Trafficking Laws in California

Understanding Drug Trafficking Laws in California

In California, drug trafficking involves the illegal transportation, sale, or distribution of controlled substances. The laws are strict, and the penalties are severe. Whether it’s illegal drugs or prescription drugs sold illegally, drug trafficking cases can lead to serious consequences.

A few different elements of drug trafficking charges, such as drug possession, drug distribution, and drug trafficking, include:

Drug Possession

Drug possession means having illegal drugs or controlled substances on your person or property. In California, just having drugs can lead to serious charges. The law doesn’t just care about the amount of drugs you have, but also about whether you have them for personal use or for selling. If you're caught with drugs, you could face drug possession crimes charges.

Even if you don’t have drugs on you, the law may charge you for possession if the drugs are found in your home or car. It’s important to know that drug possession can be a part of larger drug trafficking charges. Sometimes, just being involved with people who are distributing illegal drugs can lead to serious charges.

If you are facing drug possession charges, it’s important to contact a drug attorney to help protect your rights.

Drug Distribution

Drug distribution means selling, transporting, or giving drugs to others. If you’re caught selling or passing out controlled substances, you could face serious criminal charges. This is known as drug distribution.

California’s law takes drug distribution very seriously, especially if the drugs are illegal substances or prescription drugs sold without a prescription. Even if you didn’t sell the drugs directly but helped in any way, such as transporting them or keeping them for someone else, you can be charged with drug distribution.

Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking is the act of moving, selling, or distributing illegal drugs on a larger scale. It is considered more serious than just possession or distribution because it involves a broader network of activities.

Even if you are just transporting drugs or helping someone else with the drug trafficking operation, you could be charged. The law treats this crime harshly, especially if federal law is involved. Drug trafficking often leads to time in federal court, where the penalties are much higher.

If you are caught with illegal drugs or caught in a drug trafficking operation, you could face years in prison and large fines. If you are facing drug trafficking charges, it is important to consult with a drug attorney who knows how to defend you in these serious cases.

Potential Penalties for Drug Trafficking Convictions

Potential Penalties for Drug Trafficking Convictions

If you are convicted of drug trafficking, you could face severe penalties. These penalties depend on the type of drug, the amount, and other factors. Here are some potential penalties:

  • Prison Time: Convictions for drug trafficking can lead to 3 to 5 years in federal prison. In California, under California Code, HSC 11352, the prison time for drug trafficking can lead to 3 to 9 years in state prison.
  • Fines: You may be required to pay large fines if convicted. Fines for drug trafficking can range from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the scale of the operation.
  • Probation: In some cases, a judge may offer probation instead of prison time. However, probation comes with strict rules, and violating them could lead to more prison time.
  • Loss of Property: The government may seize property involved in drug trafficking, such as cars, houses, or money gained through illegal sales.
  • Criminal Record: A conviction for drug trafficking will stay on your record forever, making it difficult to get jobs or housing in the future.

These penalties show how serious drug trafficking charges are. If you are facing these charges, it’s important to get legal help right away.

Legal Defenses Against Drug Trafficking Charges

There are several defenses that can be used if you are facing drug trafficking charges. These defenses can help show that you are not guilty or reduce the severity of the charges. It’s important to work with an experienced drug attorney who can evaluate your case and develop the best defense strategy for you.

Some common defenses used in drug trafficking cases are:

Unlawful Search and Seizure (Fourth Amendment Violations)

If law enforcement officials search your home, car, or property without a legal reason, they might have violated your Fourth Amendment rights. The Fourth Amendment protects you from illegal searches and seizures by police.

If the police didn’t have a search warrant or a valid reason to search, the evidence they found could be thrown out. This means any illegal drugs or other drug trafficking evidence found during an illegal search cannot be used against you in court.

If you were searched without permission or a proper warrant, this could be a defense in your drug trafficking case. Your attorney can argue that the search violated your rights and work to have the charges reduced or dismissed. It’s important to know your rights and protect them during any investigation or arrest.

Lack of Knowledge or Intent

A strong defense against drug trafficking charges can be a lack of knowledge or intent. If you didn’t know the drugs were in your possession or you didn’t plan to distribute them, this could help your case.

For example, you might have unknowingly carried a bag with illegal drugs inside or been in a situation where you didn’t intend to sell or distribute the drugs. If you weren’t aware of what was happening, it’s harder for the prosecution to prove you were involved in a drug trafficking operation.

In these cases, your lawyer can argue that you didn’t have the intent to commit a crime. Drug crime charges often rely on proving that the person knew what they were doing. Without intent, it may be difficult for the prosecution to win the case.

Momentary Possession without Intent to Distribute

Sometimes, people can be caught with illegal drugs but not have the intent to sell or distribute them. In these cases, the person might only have held the drugs for a short time without any plan to make money from them. This is called momentary possession.

If you were briefly in possession of controlled substances but never intended to distribute them, this could be a defense. For example, you might have had the drugs temporarily and not been part of a drug trafficking operation. Your lawyer can argue that you didn’t plan to distribute the drugs and only had them for a short time.

Proving momentary possession without intent to distribute can help reduce or even dismiss the charges in a drug trafficking case. It’s important to explain your side of the story clearly and show there was no intent to commit a crime.

Mistaken Identity or False Accusations

In some cases, drug trafficking charges can be based on mistaken identity or false accusations. This means that someone may have wrongly accused you of being involved in a drug trafficking operation when you weren’t.

Mistaken identity can happen if you were in the wrong place at the wrong time or if someone misidentified you as a suspect. False accusations might also occur if someone is trying to get back at you or cover up their own involvement in drug crimes.

If you can prove that you were not involved in the crime, the charges could be dismissed. Your drug attorney will work to show that the accusations are wrong and gather evidence to support your innocence. This could include witness statements, alibis, or other evidence that clears your name.

It’s important to fight against false accusations to avoid wrongful convictions.

Role of a Drug Trafficking Attorney in Los Angeles

Role of a Drug Trafficking Attorney in Los Angeles

A drug trafficking attorney plays a key role in defending you against drug crime charges. They help protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and work to reduce or dismiss the charges. With their experience, they can provide the best defense strategies for your drug trafficking case.

Case Evaluation and Investigation

One of the first things a drug trafficking attorney does is evaluate your case. This means they carefully review all the details, evidence, and charges against you. They will look at what led to your arrest and how strong the prosecution's evidence is.

Next, they investigate to find any weaknesses in the case. This can include interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports, and checking if your rights were violated during the investigation or arrest. For example, if law enforcement didn’t follow the rules when gathering evidence, it might not be allowed in court.

An experienced lawyer will also identify if there are any mistakes made by law enforcement officials that could help you. The goal is to find any information that could lead to a favorable outcome, such as dropping or reducing the charges.

Development of a Tailored Defense Strategy

A key role of a drug trafficking lawyer is to develop a defense strategy that fits your specific case. Your attorney will look at all the facts and evidence to create a plan that works for you. The strategy will be designed to challenge the drug trafficking charges against you and to give you the best chance of a positive outcome.

For example, if the evidence is weak, your attorney might argue that the prosecution cannot prove the charges. If there’s a lack of knowledge or intent defense, the lawyer will focus on proving that you didn’t know about or intend to be part of a drug trafficking operation.

Your attorney will also explain your options clearly and help you understand what to expect during the legal process. A well-prepared defense strategy can significantly improve the chances of getting the charges reduced or dismissed.

Negotiation with Prosecutors for Charge Reductions or Dismissals

Your drug trafficking lawyer may also negotiate with prosecutors. They will work to reduce the charges or even have them dismissed. Lawyers can use their experience to talk with the prosecution and look for opportunities to get the best deal for you.

If there are weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, your lawyer will highlight them. They may be able to convince the prosecutor to lower the charges or offer a plea deal. In some cases, if the evidence doesn’t support the charges, your lawyer might argue for the case to be dropped entirely.

These negotiations are an important part of getting a favorable outcome. A skilled criminal defense lawyer knows how to approach prosecutors and get the best possible result for you.

Representation in Court Proceedings

If your drug trafficking case goes to court, your drug trafficking lawyer will represent you during the trial. They will present your defense and challenge the prosecution’s evidence. This could include questioning witnesses, making legal arguments, and showing why the charges should be reduced or dropped.

Your lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the trial process. They will also provide advice on how to handle the proceedings. Whether it’s a drug crime trial or a federal drug trafficking case, having an experienced lawyer by your side is crucial. They will work hard to defend you and seek the best possible result.

Court proceedings can be stressful, but with the right lawyer, you can feel confident knowing your case is in good hands.

FAQs

What is drug trafficking?

Drug trafficking is the illegal distribution, transport, or sale of illegal drugs or controlled substances. It can involve large-scale operations or smaller acts of drug-related crimes. Federal law is often involved if the trafficking crosses state lines or involves serious quantities of drugs.

What happens if I get a drug crime conviction?

A drug crime conviction can lead to serious consequences. You could face prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. The penalties depend on the type of drug, the amount, and whether you were involved in a drug trafficking operation.

Can I be charged for drug paraphernalia possession?

Yes, drug paraphernalia possession can lead to charges if you have items used for manufacturing, using, or selling illegal drugs. This includes pipes, scales, or any tools used in drug trafficking activities. Even having these items can lead to drug crime charges.

How does the federal government handle drug trafficking cases?

The federal government may get involved in drug trafficking cases if they involve interstate transportation of drugs or large-scale operations. These cases are tried in federal court, and the penalties can be more severe than state-level charges.

Can I fight drug trafficking charges?

Yes, you can fight drug trafficking charges. A skilled drug attorney will evaluate the case, investigate the evidence, and develop a defense strategy. This may include challenging the search and seizure process or proving there was no intent to distribute illegal drugs.

Contact Our Los Angeles Drug Trafficking Lawyer Today

Contact Our Los Angeles Drug Trafficking Lawyer Today

If you are facing drug trafficking charges, it’s crucial to get the right legal help. Hurwitz Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney is here to assist you. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and understand your options.

Our experienced team specializes in defending people accused of drug crimes. We know federal drug trafficking charges can be serious, and we are ready to work for the best outcome for your case. Whether you're facing charges for drug paraphernalia possession or a larger drug trafficking operation, we are here to help.

We will carefully review your case, look for weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your situation. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

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