Drug trafficking is very aggressively prosecuted because it is a serious crime that is seen quite often in Arizona. It is common in Arizona because the state borders Mexico and drugs are frequently trafficked across the border. This has resulted in law enforcement cracking down on I-40 and I-8. The police tend to look for rental cars, people who look like they are being suspicious, and vehicles that have excessive air fresheners or all of the occupants are smoking cigarettes to mask an odor.
There are several ways that law enforcement finds drugs within a vehicle. The first is to simply search the vehicle and the other is to use drug dogs to find the drugs. An officer may also search a person to find drugs in their possession. Just because a person is in possession, though, does not mean that he or she is trafficking.
If you have been charged with drug trafficking, you need the assistance of an experienced Glendale federal criminal defense lawyer to help you defend yourself against the charges.
Skilled & Dedicated Defense
A person can be accused of drug trafficking if they manufacture or cultivate and then distribute and sell the drug. Just because a person is in possession of an illegal substance does not mean they are going to sell it. The prosecution has to prove that trafficking took place, which means they have the burden of proof. In some cases, a person is simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Perhaps you were a passenger or the driver of a car and someone else in the vehicle had drugs in their pocket.
A person can be charged with conspiracy to distribute or traffic with the intent to sell when one of the following is present:
- Baggies and other materials used in the packaging of drugs is present
- A large quantity of drugs is present, suggesting that there was an intent to sell
- A large amount of cash was in the car, suggesting drugs were sold
Results Oriented Defense Strategies
What most individuals do not realize is that a patrol officer must have reasonable suspicion to pull the vehicle over in the first place. They also cannot search your vehicle without you giving consent. Manipulating you to think that you have no choice in the matter can be used as a defense strategy. You should also not be held in custody while waiting on a drug dog unless reasonable suspicion is present. Myles A. Schneider will look for issues with the arrest process and at other factors in your case that can be used toward a better outcome.
Contact A Glendale Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with drug trafficking, it is imperative to have a competent and dedicated criminal defense by your side every step of the way so you can obtain the best result in the case. Myles A. Schneider has years of experience helping clients accused of federal crimes achieve the best results in their cases. To learn more about what Myles A. Schneider & Associates, LTD can do for you, call 602-926-7373 24/7 or fill out the online contact form for your free consultation.