Reading Drug Trafficking Defense Attorneys

Berks County Drug Crime Lawyer

Drug trafficking is a serious crime that involves the sale, distribution, and transportation of illegal drugs. If you are facing drug trafficking charges, you need to take immediate action to protect your rights and future. At Emkey Law Firm, our Reading drug trafficking attorney can help you understand your legal options and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Call (610) 200-6103 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation with our team.

State vs. Federal Drug Trafficking Charges

Drug trafficking charges can be filed at the state or federal level. The specific charges you face will depend on the type and amount of drugs involved, as well as other factors. In general, federal drug trafficking charges are more serious and carry harsher penalties than state charges.

State drug trafficking charges may be filed if:

• You are accused of selling, distributing, or transporting drugs within the state
• You are accused of selling, distributing, or transporting drugs across state lines, but the amount of drugs involved is relatively small

Federal drug trafficking charges may be filed if:

• You are accused of selling, distributing, or transporting drugs across state lines, and the amount of drugs involved is relatively large
• You are accused of selling, distributing, or transporting drugs internationally
• You are accused of selling, distributing, or transporting drugs near a school, park, or other protected area
• You are accused of selling, distributing, or transporting drugs while using a weapon
• You are accused of selling, distributing, or transporting drugs while using a minor

Because federal drug trafficking charges are so serious, they are often accompanied by other charges, such as drug possession, drug manufacturing, drug trafficking, possession with intent to deliver, and possession of drug paraphernalia. If you are facing any type of drug charge, you need to consult with an experienced drug crime lawyer in Reading as soon as possible.

Penalties for Drug Trafficking Conviction

Both state and federal drug trafficking charges carry severe penalties upon conviction. In addition to substantial fines, you may be sentenced to many years or even decades behind bars. The specific penalties you face will depend on the type and amount of drugs involved, as well as other factors.

Penalties for state drug trafficking convictions may include:

• Up to 10 years in prison
• Up to $100,000 in fines

Penalties for federal drug trafficking convictions may include:

• Up to life in prison
• Up to $10 million in fines

It is important to note that these are just the penalties for drug trafficking convictions. If you are facing additional drug charges, you may be sentenced to even more time in prison and even higher fines. Additionally, if you have a prior criminal record, you may face enhanced penalties.

Drug Trafficking Sentencing Guidelines

Drug trafficking sentencing guidelines are used to determine the appropriate penalties for a conviction. These guidelines take into account the type and amount of drugs involved, as well as other factors. In general, the more drugs involved, the more severe the penalties.

Factors that may be considered when determining drug trafficking penalties include:

• The type of drug involved
• The amount of drugs involved
• The location of the drug sale, distribution, or transportation
• Whether the defendant has a prior criminal record
• Whether the defendant used a weapon
• Whether the defendant used a minor

It is important to note that drug trafficking sentencing guidelines are just that—guidelines. The judge has the discretion to deviate from these guidelines and impose a more lenient or more severe sentence, depending on the circumstances of the case. An experienced drug trafficking lawyer in Reading can help you understand the potential penalties you face and work to minimize them.

Role of Intent in Drug Trafficking Cases

One of the key elements of a drug trafficking case is intent. The prosecution must prove that you intended to sell, distribute, or transport the drugs in question. If the prosecution cannot prove intent, you cannot be convicted of drug trafficking.

However, intent can be difficult to prove. In many cases, the prosecution will rely on circumstantial evidence to establish intent. For example, if you are found with a large amount of drugs, a scale, and small baggies, the prosecution may argue that you intended to sell the drugs. But this evidence is not definitive proof of intent.

There are many potential defenses to drug trafficking charges, including:

• You did not know the drugs were in your possession
• You did not know the drugs were illegal
• You did not intend to sell, distribute, or transport the drugs
• The drugs were for personal use
• The drugs belonged to someone else
• The drugs were planted
• The drugs were discovered during an illegal search and seizure

An experienced drug trafficking attorney in Reading can help you build a strong defense and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Drug Trafficking and Conspiracy Laws

Drug trafficking charges often involve conspiracy laws. In general, a conspiracy is an agreement between two or more people to commit a crime. In the context of drug trafficking, a conspiracy is an agreement between two or more people to sell, distribute, or transport drugs.

Conspiracy charges can be filed even if the crime in question was never actually committed. In other words, you can be charged with conspiracy to commit drug trafficking even if you never actually sold, distributed, or transported drugs. This is why it is so important to consult with an experienced drug trafficking lawyer in Reading if you are facing any type of drug charge.

Cross-Border Drug Trafficking Legal Issues

Drug trafficking charges can be even more complex if they involve the sale, distribution, or transportation of drugs across state or international borders. In these cases, you may face both state and federal charges. Additionally, you may be extradited to another state or country to face charges.

Extradition is the legal process of transferring a person from one jurisdiction to another to face criminal charges. If you are facing extradition, you need to consult with an experienced drug trafficking attorney in Reading as soon as possible. An attorney can help you understand your rights and fight against extradition.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you are facing drug trafficking charges, you need to consult with an experienced drug trafficking lawyer in Reading as soon as possible. At Emkey Law Firm, we are committed to providing our clients with the aggressive and effective legal representation they deserve. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and future.

Call (610) 200-6103 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation with our team.