DRUG TRAFFICKING
The penalties for drug trafficking involve prison and substantial fines. These penalties increase if weapons were used or if injury or death occurred in the course of smuggling drugs across state lines. Additionally, federal prosecutors often tack on a charge of money laundering or wire fraud in drug trafficking cases, resulting in the potential for an even longer prison sentence if convicted of all charges.
At the law office of attorney Robert J. Fickman, I'm familiar with the tactics used by federal investigators and prosecutors in preparing and presenting drug trafficking cases. Shady informants and government snitches are often used by the prosecution in exchange for a reduction in their charge. In some cases, undercover agents shepherd and coax people into drug trafficking crimes, raising questions and issues of entrapment.
If you've been arrested on charges of drug trafficking, contact drug crimes defense attorney Robert J. Fickman today to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case and learn how I can help you.
Penalties in Drug Trafficking Cases
While judges have some discretion in sentencing, in general, the following penalties attach to trafficking in cocaine and heroin:
- Cocaine, first offense: 500 to 4999 grams - 10 to 40 years in prison; if serious injury or death is involved, at least 20 years to life. For individuals convicted, a fine up to $2 million. If 5 kilograms or more of cocaine is involved, 10 years to life in prison, 20 to life if death or injury is involved; a fine up to $4 million.
- Cocaine, second offense: 500 to 4999 grams - 10 years to life in prison, life in prison if injury or death is involved; a fine up to $4 million. If 5 kilograms or more of cocaine is involved, 20 years to life in prison with a life sentence when injury or death is involved; a fine up to $8 million.
- Heroin, first offense: 100 to 999 grams - 5 to 40 years in prison; if death or injury is involved, 20 years to life. A fine up $2 million. In cases involving 1 kilogram or more of heroin, 10 years to life in prison; 20 years to life in cases involving injury or death.
- Heroin, second offense: 100 to 999 grams - 10 years to life in prison; life imprisonment if injury or death is involved. A fine up to $4 million. In cases involving 1 kilogram of heroin, 20 years to life; life imprisonment in cases involving serious injury or death. A fine up to $8 million.
Contact Drug Trafficking Defense Lawyer Robert J. Fickman Today
Even if you are guilty of drug smuggling, the sentencing phase of a trial is important. Depending on the circumstances of your case, it may be possible to convince the court that you need a second chance. How you present yourself could mean the difference between a lengthy prison sentence and a reduced one. To learn how I can help you, contact drug crimes attorney Robert J. Fickman today to schedule a confidential consultation.
