HOW PROSECUTORS TRY TO PROVE DRUG TRAFFICKING

Prosecutors frequently rely on circumstantial evidence to argue that someone intended to distribute drugs rather than possess them for personal use.

Evidence may include:

• Large quantities of controlled substances
• Packaging materials
• Digital scales
• Large amounts of cash
• Financial records
• Cell phone messages
• Surveillance footage
• Wiretap recordings
• Confidential informants
• Undercover drug purchases

The presence of one or more of these factors does not automatically establish guilt, and every piece of evidence should be carefully scrutinized.

WE PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS AND HELP YOU AVOID HARSH PENALTIES

Drug trafficking is a felony under Washington law. The offense can get charged in state court; or, it could get charged in federal court and result in a federal crime. The exact penalties for drug trafficking will depend on the specific facts of a case. In general, however, the penalties for this crime could include:

• An imprisonment of five to years; and /or,
• A fine of up to $100,000.

The sentences for drug trafficking can also increase if certain “enhancement factors” are involved in a case. One example of an enhancement factor is if a minor was involved in the crime. A second example is when a person sells drugs in a school zone.

We should also note that some trafficking cases involve international drug operations. Additional punishments may arise in these cases. For example, an international drug trafficking crime can lead to the forfeiture of all assets related to the drug trafficking business.

OUR ATTORNEYS WILL BUILD YOU THE BEST DEFENSE

Legal defenses to drug trafficking do exist. Recall, for example, that one element of this offense is that a defendant possessed an illegal drug. This means a possible defense is that the person accused did not knowingly possess the drug in question. A Seattle drug crimes attorney can also argue that the evidence gathered in a case was done in violation of the defendant’s rights.

Know, though, that it takes a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney to successfully raise a valid defense. The attorneys at Black & Askerov are just that. They are proven and tested when it comes to defending clients on charges of drug trafficking. They are tireless in their efforts and dedicated in their representation. If you or a loved one is facing a charge of drug trafficking, contact Black & Askerov now for the quality assistance you deserve.