Common examples of drug trafficking charges include the possession or distribution of:

• Cocaine/Crack
• Heroin
• Fentanyl
• Ecstasy/MDMA
• Methamphetamine
• Prescription Drugs such as Oxycodone or Xanax
• LSD or other hallucinogens
• Ketamine

Other related drug trafficking charges include:

• Maintaining a Drug House
• Maintaining or Operating a Drug Laboratory
• Possession or Distribution of Imitation or Counterfeit Substances

If you are being investigated or have been charged with one of the above crimes, then it is crucial that you seek the advice of an experienced drug trafficking attorney as soon as possible.

Jail/Prison: A conviction for drug trafficking can result in either jail or prison time, depending on the charges and circumstances alleged. A conviction for simple possession of methamphetamine can result in up to 10 years in prison, while a conviction for possession of 650 grams or more of cocaine can result in up to a life sentence. As you can see, a judge will have the full range of options in terms of sentence for drug trafficking convictions.

Probation: Probation is an alternative to jail, and sometimes an additional sentence that comes with a drug trafficking conviction. While on probation for drug trafficking, an offender will have to follow strict guidelines and rules, such as staying alcohol or drug free. He or she will be assigned a probation agent who will monitor them and make sure they are in full compliance with the terms of their probation. Any violations of probation can result in lengthy jail or prison sentences.

Restitution: A judge can order an offender to pay money to any victims for medical treatment, property loss and damage, as well as counseling and other related forms of restitution for a drug trafficking conviction.

Fines: Fines for drug trafficking are incredibly high. A fine for the simple possession of less than 50 grams of cocaine can result in a fine of up to $25,000. 

Other: A conviction for drug trafficking of any kind can have other effects such as losing your job, being unable to secure a job because of your criminal record, and the possible suspension and loss of professional licenses you may have.

For a prosecutor to secure a conviction against someone for drug trafficking, they have to prove a number of elements. Every drug trafficking case has 3 basic elements: 

1. possession of an illegal substance
2. intent to distribute in some way, and
3. the weight of the illegal substance exceeded a certain amount.

Major defenses relating to the prosecution of Michigan drug trafficking are often constitutional in nature. Were there any constitutional violations in the search that led to authorities finding illegal drugs?

If investigators violated your constitutional rights during the investigation, then you can bring those issues in front of a judge in the form of a motion to suppress to potentially have the evidence against you thrown out. Did the officers have probable cause and a warrant or a warrant exception to search you or your property? Mere presence is not enough to prove criminal conduct. Just being there doesn’t make you guilty of anything. Were you simply in the wrong place at the wrong time? Were you threatened or coerced into participating in any illegal acts? Were you even there? Do you have a good alibi? Did the government entrap you into drug trafficking? A seasoned drug trafficking attorney will look to these and other defenses specific to your case in building your defense if you are accused of illegal activity.

If you or someone you love is facing the possibility of being charged with drug trafficking, it is natural to have a number of questions. Finding a website like this one can be a great resource, but it is not a substitute for the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney. If you have more questions about drug trafficking, then the attorneys at Zeineh Law are available to you.