Both state and federal authorities are cracking down on drug trafficking allegations, with more offenders than ever before entering the prison system. If you are found transporting drugs across state lines, you will be tried at the federal level. If so, your case will be investigated by federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). If convicted, you may be sentenced to life in prison, fined up to $10 million, and have your assets seized.
If charged with a state offense, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will be investigating your matter. If you are found guilty, you may be sentenced to 30 years in prison, fined up to $1 million, and face asset forfeiture. During this time, you will have limited access to your family, preventing you from taking part in milestone events.
Given the severity of a drug trafficking charge, you need dedicated counsel to assist you. If you or a loved one are facing such charges, the Atlanta, GA, drug trafficking attorneys at Ghanayem and Rayasam can help you beat a trafficking charge.
Know Your Rights
Law enforcement will take whatever means necessary to gather incriminating evidence against you, but that does not give them carte blanche to do whatever they want. Under the Fourth Amendment, the police must obtain a warrant to search your property. However, there are situations in which law enforcement may conduct a warrantless search, such as if there is a risk of evidence being destroyed or the police are in hot pursuit of a suspect. Although these exceptions do exist, if the police did not obtain a warrant or your consent to search the property, the search was most likely performed illegally.
Gather and Examine Evidence
Exculpatory evidence is any evidence that would reduce or negate your criminal liability. In a drug trafficking case, exculpatory evidence may involve testimony from a friend or colleague who can testify to your whereabouts during the commission of the crime.
Alternatively, if the prosecution has evidence in their possession that is favorable to them and would impact the verdict, they must disclose it.
The defense has a right to examine all pertinent evidence, and it is an obstruction of justice for the prosecution to withhold such information. Whether the disclosure was intentional or unintentional, failure to do so is a Brady violation. If it is discovered during trial, the verdict may be overturned, or the judge may declare a mistrial.
Reach Out to an Atlanta, GA, Drug Trafficking Lawyer
The most important step following an arrest or pending investigation on drug trafficking charges is to obtain seasoned representation. Ending up on the wrong side of the law can have serious consequences, and you need someone who understands the intricate process involved in a criminal investigation.
At Ghanayem and Rayasam, our criminal defense attorneys have experience with defending drug trafficking charges. We understand the legal jargon and technicalities that come up during the investigation, ensuring that your rights are protected. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with one of our Atlanta, GA, drug trafficking lawyers, contact us online or give us a call at (404) 561-0202 today.