Gwinnett County Drug Trafficking Lawyer
Trafficking is probably the most serious drug crime in Georgia. Trafficking involves large quantities of illegal drugs, with most defendants participating in trafficking schemes to import and distribute huge amounts of cocaine and similar substances. Defendants need to quickly reach out to an experienced Gwinnett County drug trafficking lawyer. The Spizman Firm is committed to offering the highest level of legal defense to our clients, including those suspected of drug trafficking. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Serious Penalties for a Major Crime
What distinguishes trafficking from other drug crimes is the quantity of drugs involved. A person who uses drugs for personal consumption probably only carries a small amount on them every day. However, you can face trafficking charges if the amount you possess is over certain thresholds.
For example, Georgia law will punish someone for trafficking if they have possession of more than 4 grams of heroin or morphine. That isn’t much.
Unsurprisingly, Georgia also cranks up the penalties for trafficking. For example, you will face a mandatory 5 years in prison for trafficking in cocaine if you have 4-14 grams, along with a mandatory fine. These penalties jump to a mandatory 10 years if you have 14-28 grams and rise to a staggering 25 years for more than 28 grams.
The penalties are so steep because traffickers introduce large quantities of drugs into Georgia which inevitably get distributed to other people. Traffickers fuel addiction, so the state has mandatory minimums to punish them severely.
Can You Defend Against Trafficking Charges?
Every criminal defendant deserves a strong defense. It doesn’t matter if you are charged with one of the most serious crimes in Georgia—all defendants are presumed innocent. The state needs legitimate evidence proving beyond a reasonable doubt you are guilty of trafficking.
Your legal team can also challenge the evidence or propose an alibi. The arguments your lawyer makes should proceed from the facts of the case. The Spizman Firm avoids off-the-rack defense strategies which might have no relevance to your situation.
Some defenses include arguing mistaken identity—someone other than you committed trafficking. In other situations, we might challenge the qualities confiscated, which could reduce the mandatory minimum sentence.
As with all drug crimes, a lot rides on the validity of the police search. Officers must follow the Constitution when investigating drug crimes, regardless of the dangerous nature of drugs. Generally, an officer or drug enforcement agent must obtain permission or a search warrant before searching property. When they perform an illegal search, defendants can ask a judge to suppress the evidence found, which might be enough to get charges dismissed.
Defending Clients Against Trafficking Charges
The Spizman Firm is committed to helping defendants facing serious drug crimes, including trafficking. Do you want to speak with an experienced Gwinnett County drug trafficking lawyer? Our consultations are confidential, which allows us to discuss freely the facts of the case and the evidence against you. If hired, we will do everything ethically possible to defend you.
