Rocklin Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Defending Against Drug Trafficking Charges in Placer County, CA

If you've been charged with drug trafficking in Northern California, act quickly to get an experienced drug crime lawyer on your side. Depending on the circumstances, your case could fall under state or federal jurisdiction. In either situation, the penalties are harsh, and if convicted, you could be looking at years in prison and hefty fines.

Strategies to Dismiss Drug Trafficking Charges

The first step in getting a drug trafficking charge dismissed is to consult with an experienced drug crime attorney. Depending on the particular facts of your case, there may be several defense strategies available. Possible defenses could include entrapment, insufficient evidence, or constitutional violations. Your drug trafficking lawyer can work with you to develop the best possible strategy for your situation and identify ways to challenge the charges.

We do just that at Jacob Law Firm. We take California drug trafficking charges seriously. Backed by over 15 years of experience, our Rocklin drug trafficking lawyer knows how to develop effective defenses to fight your charges and help you get your life back. We'll start by getting to know you and your situation. From there, we'll analyze all the facts and examine all the evidence. Whether your case can be handled out of court or needs to be taken to trial, we'll present a compelling legal strategy on your behalf and work toward a favorable outcome.

Understanding Drug Trafficking

In general, drug trafficking refers to the transportation of controlled substances. Most cases involve illegal drugs, such as heroin or cocaine; however, a person could be charged for trafficking prescription drugs. Both state and federal laws prohibit this type of conduct.

California Drug Trafficking Laws

Under California Health and Safety Code 11352, it's illegal for a person to transport or offer to transport for sale certain controlled substances. The statute also makes it unlawful to furnish, administer, give away (or offer to do such), or import certain drugs. Transportation of a controlled substance is not limited to a motor vehicle but may also include transporting a controlled substance by foot, bicycle, or another type of vehicle.

Penalties for Drug Trafficking in California

The punishments you could face for transporting a controlled substance in California depend on the circumstances of the crime and the type and quantity of the drug involved.

For instance, if you're found guilty of drug trafficking in California, you could be imprisoned for 3, 4, or 5 years. If you moved drugs from one county to another, the punishments would increase. Then, you could be facing 3, 6, or 9 years in prison.

Standard penalties for California drug trafficking charges are:

• Three to nine years jail time, and;
• A fine of up to $20,000

Aggravating Factors in Drug Trafficking Offenses

California drug trafficking laws include certain aggravating factors that can increase the penalties you may be facing. These factors include:

• Transporting a certain quantity of a controlled substance
• Selling a controlled substance to a minor
• Trafficking a controlled substance near drug treatment facilities
• Selling drugs to specific types of people, such as someone who is pregnant or a convicted felon

Federal Drug Trafficking Charges

The federal law concerning drug trafficking is 21 U.S.C. § 841. It provides that a person commits a drug trafficking offense when they manufacture, distribute, or dispense (or possess with the intent to do such) a controlled substance.

Federal conviction penalties depend on the type and amount of drug you were accused of trafficking, as well as any aggravating factors.

For example, the punishments for an offense involving a substance containing a detectable amount of heroin are as follows:

• 100 grams or more: 
  • 5 to 40 years in prison
  • 20 years to life in prison if the offense caused serious bodily injury or death
  • $5,000,000 in fines
• 1 kilogram or more:
  • 10 years to life in prison
  • 20 years to life in prison if the offense caused serious bodily injury or death
  • $10,000,000 in fines