Drug trafficking charges are far more serious than simple drug possession charges. Prosecutors often seek the harshest penalties allowed under the law when pursuing cases against individuals who allegedly engaged in drug trafficking. A Queens drug trafficking lawyer can defend your rights and fight your charges with the goal of resolving your case on favorable terms that avoid the heaviest penalties under the state’s drug trafficking laws.
Drug trafficking is a serious criminal charge that requires a strategic approach to successfully fight those charges. The Vitaliano Law Firm brings years of experience helping clients successfully fight their charges so they do not face the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence.
Our founding attorney is an unwavering advocate for his clients. His past experience as a prosecutor has shown him how the state handles cases. He now leverages that knowledge to help his clients in court. If you are seeking legal representation from a firm that gets results, The Vitaliano Law Firm stands ready to protect your rights and advocate for your interests in court.
Drug trafficking is a serious offense reserved for cases where the defendant stands accused of manufacturing, selling, and distributing controlled substances. The State of New York takes a zero-tolerance stance on these types of offenses because trafficking is seen as a serious threat to public health and public safety.
To prove a drug trafficking charge, prosecutors must show that the accused knowingly tried to sell controlled substances that could include cocaine, ecstasy, GHB, heroin, prescription pills, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances.
Drug trafficking is typically prosecuted as a felony in New York. The type of felony depends on the amount and type of drug that was confiscated, the defendant’s prior convictions, and any aggravated offenses tied to the case. Selling drugs to minors or possessing firearms are two potential aggravating factors that can lead to enhanced penalties.
A conviction could lead to serious prison time. The state’s drug laws allow life sentences in some cases, and many felony classifications can lead to several years or decades of imprisonment. If multiple people were involved in the trafficking operation, additional charges for conspiracy could be added to the trafficking charge.
There are multiple legal defense strategies that could potentially lead to dropped charges. One path would be to argue that you were misidentified as the trafficker. In some cases, you may have been falsely accused of trafficking if you are associated with individuals involved in trafficking. In other cases, you may have nothing to do with the criminal acts at all. Eyewitness statements can be unreliable forms of evidence in drug trafficking cases.
Arguing that you did not know you were in possession of drugs could be another effective defense strategy. There are situations where individuals mislead people into transporting drugs. In other cases, a drug dealer may have left drugs in your possession without you knowing it.
If you are arrested for any crime in queens, NY, it is critical to remember your rights. Be polite and respectful to the police, but do not discuss anything related to your charges. You can identify yourself, but you should remain silent. Police and prosecutors can use whatever you say against you. Police officers often try to coerce or intimidate suspects.
Tell them that you wish to remain silent and to speak to a legal representative. As soon as you are able to, secure legal representation from a criminal defense attorney in Queens. They can speak on your behalf. Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney. Follow your attorney’s advice and know that you can be open and transparent with your legal representative. Anything you say to your attorney is protected under attorney-client privilege.
Yes. A drug trafficking charge can be beaten when you have legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney. Defendants are innocent until proven guilty, and the burden falls on prosecutors to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Any steps that weaken the prosecution’s case can lead to the charges being beaten.
The penalties for drug trafficking in New York include incarceration, heavy fines, and lengthy and restrictive probation. Prosecutors often seek the harshest penalties under the law, which is why having legal representation is critical. An attorney can systematically chip away at the prosecution’s case to improve their client’s chances of securing a reduced sentence or dropped charges.
The consequences of a drug trafficking conviction can be immediate and long-lasting. New York’s zero-tolerance laws allow for prison sentences of several years or longer. In some cases, a serious trafficking case could lead to a life sentence. Even when a sentence is served, having a drug trafficking charge on your record could make finding future employment and housing very difficult.
Yes. Trafficking is a complicated law that requires that several elements be met for a defendant to be charged with selling and distributing drugs. One potential reduced charge would be possession. If you did not sell, manufacture, or distribute drugs and only used them for personal use, you would still be in violation of state drug laws, but you could potentially face significantly lower penalties if your charges are reduced.
Being charged with drug trafficking does not mean that you will ultimately be convicted of a serious offense. With legal representation from The Vitaliano Law Firm, you can fight your charges and work to clear your name. We’ll be there every step of the way, providing legal advice, encouragement, and strategic counsel aimed at securing a favorable outcome for your case.
Don’t delay seeking legal representation. Once you schedule your consultation, our lead attorney can begin the work of examining the evidence used against you and gathering new evidence that supports your defense.