Drug Trafficking And Distribution
Drug trafficking is among the most serious drug crimes you can be charged with and has the potential to radically alter the course of your life. A conviction can lead to enormous fines as well as the possibility of life in prison. If you are being charged with or suspected of drug trafficking, it is crucial that you secure the services of one of our New Braunfels drug crimes lawyers at Kyle Law Firm today. Our founding attorney possesses more than two decades of experience in criminal defense law and can aggressively defend your case. Schedule a free consultation and talk with a lawyer today.
What Is Drug Trafficking?
Drug trafficking occurs when a person distributes, sells or possesses a controlled substance in large quantities above a specified amount. This charge differs from a possession or distribution charge in that it is determined by the total quantity or weight of a controlled substance. A person can be charged with trafficking regardless of whether transportation or sale of a drug occurred. The specified amount necessary to incur a drug trafficking charge differs for each controlled substance. A person found with less than this specified amount can still face related charges such as possession and distribution.
In order to secure a conviction for drug trafficking, the prosecution must prove that:
- A person was knowingly and intentionally in possession of a controlled substance.
- Quantities exceeded the specified amount as outlined by the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
Drug trafficking can be charged at both the federal and state levels. Penalties can vary widely depending on factors such as the category of drugs involved as well as a defendant’s prior convictions. Federally, drug trafficking is a felony, and sentences can range from several years to life in prison. At the state level, fines associated with a drug trafficking charge can range from $10,000 to over $100,000. For the most serious federal offense, a fine may even reach $10 million.
Controlled Substance Categorization
Under Texas state law, controlled substances are divided into four “penalty groups” and two subgroups. At the federal level, controlled substances are divided into five categories, known as schedules, based on their probability of abuse and medical value. The severity or danger ascribed to an individual drug varies between federal and state level listings.
Examples of drugs in each schedule include:
- Schedule I: LSD, heroin, marijuana
- Schedule II: Cocaine, oxycodone, methamphetamine
- Schedule III: Ketamine, anabolic steroids, testosterone
- Schedule IV: Xanax, Valium, Ambien
- Schedule V: Lomotil, Motofen, Lyrica
Hire A Nationally Recognized Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been charged with drug trafficking, it is imperative that you contact our New Braunfels drug trafficking attorneys at Kyle Law Firm immediately. Our team includes attorneys Steve Harkins, who is board certified in criminal law, and Matthew Kyle, who has maintained a perfect “Superb” rating on Avvo.
Put our lawyers knowledge and skills to work for you and secure a high-caliber defense to help protect your future. The sooner you contact us, the sooner our team can help. Call 830-620-9402 or contact us online.