Have you been accused of drug trafficking? If so, you need to act quickly to protect your legal rights. These crimes are punished harshly, and your life could change drastically if convicted.
O.C.G.A. § 16-13-31 outlines the penalties for trafficking various drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Mandatory minimum prison sentences often apply, and it is not uncommon for someone to face decades in prison and fines of up to $1 million. Even possession of small amounts of drugs can result in life-changing penalties.
Law enforcement officials are quick to pursue incidents of drug trafficking because these crimes are often associated with other crimes, such as money laundering and corruption. Also, drug use ruins lives and damages communities.
Drug Trafficking Defenses Options
Because the law punishes drug trafficking crimes severely, you may wonder what chance you have of getting such a charge reduced or dismissed. The good news is that there are defenses you can use to get a better outcome. However, you need to keep quiet and hire a lawyer to defend you because, as the saying goes, what you say or do can be used against you in a court of law.
Some defenses you may be able to use include:
- Lack of knowledge: You might argue that you were unaware that the drugs were in your possession or that you were involved in trafficking. This defense applies if you can demonstrate that someone else planted the drugs or that you were unknowingly in possession of them.
- Lack of intent: Drug trafficking charges often require proof of intent to distribute. If you possessed drugs but had no intent to sell or distribute them, you might argue that your intent was for personal use only.
- Illegal search and seizure: If police obtained evidence through an unlawful search or seizure (without a valid warrant or probable cause), that evidence might be excluded under the Fourth Amendment.
- Duress or coercion: If you were forced to participate in drug trafficking due to threats or coercion, you might use this defense. You would need to show that you were under immediate threat of harm.
- Insufficient evidence: The prosecution must prove every element of the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence is weak or circumstantial, you can argue that the prosecution has not met its burden of proof.
- False accusations or mistaken identity: You might claim that you were falsely accused or that someone else committed the crime. This is especially relevant if the case relies on witness testimony or circumstantial evidence.
Experienced Drug Trafficking Defense Lawyers in Atlanta, GA
Drug trafficking charges can result in prison time and hefty fines, among other penalties. You need to do what you can to reduce the charges.
The Georgia drug trafficking lawyers at Ghanayem & Rayasam can help you understand the charges against you and find the best defenses based on your situation. Call (404) 561-0202 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation today.