Aggressive Representation from Our Birmingham Drug Trafficking Defense Attorneys
Drug trafficking is a serious offense that can have lasting consequences on your personal and professional life. If you are convicted of drug trafficking, you will face severe criminal penalties, including imprisonment and substantial fines. Additionally, a conviction can affect your ability to obtain employment, rent a home, or secure a loan.
At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., we understand just how much is at stake in these cases. Our Birmingham drug trafficking attorneys are here to provide the aggressive legal representation you need when your future is on the line. We are equipped to handle even the most complex drug cases, including those involving international drug trafficking. When you choose our firm, you can be confident that your case is in good hands.
If you have been charged with drug trafficking, call 205-930-9800 or online to schedule a consultation with our team.
What Is Drug Trafficking?
Drug trafficking, also known as drug distribution, refers to the illegal sale, transport, and import or export of controlled substances. This offense is treated much more seriously than drug possession, which involves the mere possession of illegal drugs for personal use. In Alabama, drug trafficking is a felony offense.
Drug trafficking is a specific intent crime, meaning you must have the intent to distribute the controlled substances in question. The specific intent to distribute can be proven through circumstantial evidence, such as the presence of drug paraphernalia or large quantities of drugs.
Common examples of drug trafficking charges involve:
- Selling drugs
- Transporting drugs
- Importing drugs
- Exporting drugs
- Manufacturing drugs
- Conspiring to commit any of the above actions
Penalties for Drug Trafficking
The criminal penalties for drug trafficking in Alabama depend on the type and amount of drugs involved. In general, the penalties for drug trafficking are as follows:
- Class A felony: Drug trafficking is typically a Class A felony offense in Alabama. The penalties for a Class A felony in Alabama include fines of up to $60,000 and a prison sentence of 10 to 99 years, or life imprisonment.
- Class B felony: Drug trafficking can be a Class B felony if the weight of the controlled substance is less than the statutory threshold. The penalties for a Class B felony in Alabama include fines of up to $30,000 and a prison sentence of 2 to 20 years.
- Class C felony: Drug trafficking can be a Class C felony if the weight of the controlled substance is less than the statutory threshold. The penalties for a Class C felony in Alabama include fines of up to $15,000 and a prison sentence of 1 year and 1 day to 10 years.
- Class D felony: Drug trafficking can be a Class D felony if the weight of the controlled substance is less than the statutory threshold. The penalties for a Class D felony in Alabama include fines of up to $7,500 and a prison sentence of 1 year and 1 day to 5 years.
Defenses to Drug Trafficking Charges in Alabama
Being charged with drug trafficking is an overwhelming experience, but it is important to remember that you have the right to defend yourself. An experienced drug trafficking lawyer in Birmingham can help you build a strong defense to the charges you are facing.
Some common defenses to drug trafficking charges include:
- Illegal search and seizure: The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. If the police violated your Constitutional rights when they discovered the drugs in question, our attorneys may be able to file a motion to suppress the evidence.
- Lack of intent to distribute: Drug trafficking is a specific intent crime, meaning you must have had the intent to distribute the drugs. If we can prove that you did not have the intent to distribute the drugs, we may be able to get the charges reduced or dismissed.
- Mistaken identity: In some cases, the police may have arrested the wrong person. If we can prove that you are not the person who committed the offense, we may be able to get the charges against you dropped.
- Entrapment: If law enforcement coerced you into committing the crime, we may be able to argue that you were a victim of entrapment. If successful, this defense can result in a dismissal of the charges against you.
How Our Firm Can Help
Drug trafficking cases are highly complex and can involve a wide range of legal issues. When you hire our firm, we will conduct a thorough investigation of your case and work tirelessly to uncover any and all evidence in your favor. Our attorneys will also review the actions of the police to ensure they did not violate your Constitutional rights when they discovered the drugs in question. If the police violated your rights or made any other mistakes, we may be able to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed.
Get in touch with our team today by calling 205-930-9800 to discuss your case with our drug trafficking lawyers in Birmingham.