DEFENSE STRATEGIES TO CONSIDER FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING CHARGES
On behalf of Law Office Of Scott G. Cerbin, Esq., PLLC posted in drug trafficking on Thursday, January 16, 2020.
Any type of drug charge can be life-changing upon conviction, but many law enforcement and government agencies take a particularly aggressive stance against drug trafficking. In New York, those convicted of drug trafficking will likely face harsh consequences. Possible sentences include the following.
Major drug traffickers typically receive a sentence of 15 years to life in a prison
Second-time offenders will receive a sentence of 12 to 20 years of imprisonment
Nonmajor drug traffickers could face eight to 20 years of imprisonment as well as a post-release supervision period of five years
Along with imprisonment, those convicted of drug trafficking must also pay a fee from $5,000 to $100,000
As you can see, drug trafficking is an extremely serious offense in the eyes of the state’s lawmakers as well as on the federal level. Serious charges call for a serious response from defendants. Ignoring the charges or merely hoping for a good outcome is insufficient.
There are several strategies drug trafficking defendants can consider to minimize the penalties, or in some cases, overcome conviction altogether. A criminal defense attorney can help you explore your options and choose the best defense for your unique situation. Some of these defenses include:
Entrapment perpetrated by law enforcement personnel
No intent to traffic or distribute drugs
No knowledge of the drugs in question
Drugs were for your personal use only
Infancy, which only works for defendants younger than 16 years of age
Choosing an effective defense strategy requires a thorough knowledge of the state’s laws. As most regular citizens lack this in-depth knowledge, it is wise to have a legal advocate on your side. This is so for all drug charges, but it is especially important when facing a possible drug trafficking conviction.
