Drug trafficking is a serious crime and one that Arizona sees a lot due to its close proximity to Mexico. Because it is well-known that trafficking is an issue in the state, the Interstate 40 corridor is an area where police have cracked down. There is also a lot of law enforcement activity on I-8. Police look for patrol cars, people who look suspicious, and vehicles that look as if the occupants have taken measures to hide odors, such as excessive air fresheners.
When an individual is pulled over by the police, drug dogs can be used to find drugs. In some cases, there may be drugs in possession, but the drugs may not have been trafficked or may not have exchanged hands. The authorities have to have proof that drugs were being trafficked for money in order to charge a person with drug trafficking.
If you have been charged with drug trafficking, it is important to seek out the help of an experienced Mesa federal criminal defense lawyer to help you defend yourself against the charges.
Solid Defense Against Drug Trafficking Charges
Traffic is defined as the act of manufacturing, cultivating, selling, or distributing an illegal drug. However, simple possession does not mean a person is trafficking with the intent to sell the drugs. The prosecution has the burden of proof in the matter, as sometimes a person can simply be in the wrong place at a very bad time. Perhaps you were the driver or passenger of a vehicle when another person was in possession of drugs.
The authorities will try to prove conspiracy to distribute, as the intention to sell can be determined if one of the following factors exists at the time of the traffic stop:
- A large quantity of drugs is present, which suggests the intent to sell
- A large amount of cash is in the automobile, which indicates drugs have been sold
- Materials, such as baggies that are used as drug packaging
If a law enforcement officer sees any of these factors, they may file drug trafficking charges.
Defending Your Rights
When charged with drug trafficking, you have constitutional rights that need to be protected. Your Mesa drug trafficking attorney will defend those rights and your chance at a positive future. If convicted, the consequences can be very harsh at the federal level, but it is possible to have the charges reduced, dismissed, or have you acquitted.
As for the defenses that can be used, some individuals do not realize that an officer has to have reasonable suspicion to search a vehicle. If they request to search your vehicle, it is your right to deny them that search. Every aspect of your case will be reviewed so you can have the best possible result.
Contact A Mesa Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
Drug trafficking is a very serious crime and it is aggressively prosecuted at the federal level. Because of this, you require competent and skillful representation in your case. Myles A. Schneider has extensive experience defending clients at the federal level and has had a great deal of success. If you have been charged with or you are being investigated for drug trafficking, call Myles A. Schneider & Associates, LTD 24/7 at 602-926-7373 or fill out the contact form for a free consultation.