If you are facing drug or narcotics trafficking and distribution charges, the first thing you need to know is that these are only allegations and not convictions. These charges are serious, however, and you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to advocate for your rights and interests.
Criminal defense attorneys at Vinas & Graham, PLLC, represent defendants who have been accused of drug crimes at the state and federal levels. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations and focus specifically on how the prosecution’s evidence was gathered and preserved to determine if your rights were violated by police misconduct.
Federal Drug Charges
Trafficking charges can be brought under federal or state law. It is one of the most serious drug crimes, and it is often prosecuted at the federal level, especially if there are additional charges, such as drug conspiracy and money laundering. If you are prosecuted at the federal level, penalties are severe for drug trafficking convictions.
Additionally, drug trafficking cases are more likely to be prosecuted at the federal level if they involve extensive drug operations with many potential defendants and witnesses. Federal authorities and prosecutors work quickly to turn witnesses, secure incriminating testimony, and make plea agreements.
Our skilled federal crimes attorneys understand how federal prosecutors work, and they aggressively implement calculated defense strategies to protect defendants. Our goal is to reach the best possible outcome for every defense client in every case.
Drug Prosecution Strategy
Drug possession is a much less severe offense than trafficking, and prosecutors often charge defendants with trafficking even though they might only have enough evidence to prove possession. They do this because it gives them bargaining power when it comes to plea negotiations. Defendants regularly agree to plead guilty to possession so that they can avoid the significant consequences of trafficking convictions.
Proving Trafficking And Distribution
In general, to prove trafficking and distribution, prosecutors must show that with knowledge or intent, you created, manufactured, distributed, or dispensed a controlled substance or that you intended to create, manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance.
Proving intent or knowledge is often the most challenging hurdle for prosecutors to overcome in these cases. As previously mentioned, our attorneys examine all evidence collected, the method by which it was obtained, and police conduct in your case to determine if your rights were violated.
Violation Of Your Rights
If any of your rights were violated in the collection and preservation of evidence, the evidence might be inadmissible at trial, and prosecutors will be unable to use it against you. Common violations include the following:
- There were law enforcement errors or omissions in your search warrant or arrest warrant application.
- Law enforcement officers did not have probable cause to conduct a warrantless search.
- You were not given Miranda warnings before your interrogation and confession.
- There was a break in the chain of custody of the evidence to be used against you.
- Law enforcement officers planted the evidence against you.
Reduced And Dismissed Charges
Not only do prosecutors sometimes overcharge defendants with a more serious crime that they do not have enough evidence to prove, but also, they will sometimes tack on additional charges that they may not be able to prove. As previously mentioned, our attorneys are familiar with prosecution tactics, and they do not encourage clients to accept a plea deal that is unfair or unconscionable.
Our attorneys approach negotiations with your best interests in mind. They will fight to reduce or dismiss your charges for reasons such as lack of evidence or search and seizure violations. They will also work to help you secure a more favorable outcome in your case if you offer substantial assistance to authorities in the investigation or prosecution of another person.
Investigation For Drug Crimes
It is never too early to contact a federal crimes attorney. If you suspect that you are being investigated for drug crimes, our attorneys will meet with you to discuss your suspicions. We can go over defense and negotiation strategies before you are even charged. If it is to your advantage, we will reach out to appropriate authorities regarding their attention to you and the investigation they are conducting.
Drug Or Narcotics Trafficking And Distribution Defense
If you are being investigated or you have been charged with drug or narcotics trafficking and distribution, contact Vinas & Graham, PLLC, at 713-229-9992 or online to schedule a consultation. Attorneys Joe Vinas and Spence Graham have more than 30 years of legal experience, and they have the knowledge and skills to provide you with the highest quality defense representation.
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