A Marin County Drug Attorney Handling Drug Trafficking Charges In California

Drug trafficking charges are one of the most serious drug charges you can face. A conviction could result in years of incarceration and thousands of dollars in fines. Even if this is your first offense, drug trafficking cases are taken very seriously. Prosecutors are aggressive and may seek the maximum penalty. If you have been charged with drug trafficking, protect your rights and your future by contacting a Marin County drug attorney as soon as possible. 

What Is Drug Trafficking? 

Under California law, drug trafficking is a loosely defined offense that generally involves the selling, buying, transporting, moving, or distributing of controlled substances. There is no single statute that defines what is and what is not considered drug trafficking. Instead, drug trafficking includes a broad range of activities and can be charged in a variety of different scenarios.

• The possession of drugs with the intent to sell
• The movement of drugs a quantity of drugs from one location to another
• Participation or involvement in the manufacturing of drugs, including the supplying or delivering of materials or supplies used in the manufacture of drugs
• Engaging in a conspiracy to sell or distribute drugs

It is not uncommon for people to find themselves facing a trafficking charge when some lesser charge would be more appropriate. A Marin County drug attorney can assess your charges and explain your options. 

Transportation Is Broader Than You Might Expect

It is important to note that the drugs do not need to be transported a long distance in order for you to be charged with drug trafficking. In fact, transportation can occur over a very short distance and need not be done by car or truck. Transporting drugs via boat or airplane would qualify, but transporting drugs via bicycle or even on foot could also result in a trafficking charge. 

Trafficking can also be charged regardless of the number of people involved—trafficking charges are not limited to criminal enterprises such as gangs or other groups of people involved in the distribution of drugs. Instead, an individual person can be charged with drug trafficking even if they transported the drugs some distance with the intent to sell them later. 

California’s drug trafficking laws are very technical and carry very harsh penalties. If you have been charged with drug trafficking, working with an experienced Marin County drug attorney is your best opportunity to get a fair result. 

Drug Trafficking Can Also Result in Federal Charges

Drug trafficking is an offense that can be charged at either the state or federal level. Generally speaking, drug trafficking will become a federal crime if the trafficking crosses California state lines. If the trafficking activities were entirely within California, you can generally expect to be prosecuted in state court. 

If you are facing federal trafficking charges, be aware that federal law enforcement agents have extensive resources to devote to investigating and prosecuting these crimes. As a result, you can expect federal prosecutors to be extremely aggressive. Whether you are facing federal or state trafficking charges, working with a Marin County drug attorney is your best opportunity to get a fair result. 

How the Amount of Drugs Determines Whether You Will Be Charged with Trafficking

Trafficking charges are considered more severe than possession with intent to distribute and other charges related to the sale of drugs. Generally speaking, trafficking is charged when there are larger quantities of drugs involved at a larger scale than what may be involved in a one-on-one transaction. However, the amount of drugs involved is more likely to be determinative than the scale of the operation. 

There is no general threshold for determining when trafficking will be charged. Instead, the amount of drugs required to trigger a trafficking charge will vary according to the type of drugs involved. In general, harder drugs such as cocaine or heroin will require a lower quantity to trigger drug trafficking charges. 

The bottom line is that it is easier to be charged with drug trafficking than you might expect. Other factors, such as your prior record or whether there were minors involved, can also affect your case. A knowledgeable Marin County drug attorney can review your charges and assess the case against you. 

You Could Face Severe Penalties if You Are Convicted of Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking is a felony charge in California, even for first-time offenders. If convicted, you could face the following penalties: 

• A sentence of three, four, or five years in county jail.
• A sentence of three, six, or nine years in county jail if the trafficking crossed two or more county lines.
• Court-imposed fines of up to $20,000. 

These are the basic penalties if convicted. You could face even harsher penalties if there are aggravating factors involved, such as the following: 

• You have prior drug convictions
• You provided drugs to a minor
• You provided drugs to a pregnant woman
• You provided drugs to someone who is in treatment for drug addiction or mental health issues 
• You were in possession of a larger quantity of heroin or cocaine
• You were engaged in drug trafficking within 1,000 feet of a homeless shelter or drug treatment facility
• You provided drugs to someone with a prior conviction for a violent felony

It is very easy to find yourself facing very serious consequences, even if you were unaware that you were engaged in drug trafficking. If you are facing a trafficking charge, you should talk to a Marin County drug attorney as soon as possible. 

Contact Brownstein Law Group Today to Speak with an Experienced Marin County Drug Attorney

Your entire future is at stake if you have been charged with drug trafficking. The sooner you get the help you need, the better your chances of getting a fair result. At The Brownstein Law Group, we are totally and personally committed to every case we handle. As aggressive advocates and experienced trial lawyers, we know what it takes to get the results our clients deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call or email a Marin County drug attorney today.