Criminal Defense Lawyers

Drug trafficking is the crime of distributing controlled substances. It encompasses the importing, transporting or selling of these substances. The substances may be prescription drugs that dealers transport and sell illegally.

What Are Controlled Substances?

A controlled substance is a chemical that the federal government regulates. The government categorizes substances under the Controlled Substances Act. The category each drug belongs to depends on the drug’s use by the medical community and whether or not it has the potential to be abused or cause dependence. For example, Schedule I drugs do not have a legitimate use in the medical community, and they present a high potential for being abused. Examples include ecstasy, methaqualone, peyote, marijuana, LSD and heroin.

The Charge of Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking is similar to drug possession, but trafficking takes things a step farther. To be guilty of drug trafficking, you must also know that you are in possession of an illegal substance. The charge is elevated when the prosecution demonstrates that the perpetrator also sold, transported or imported these substances. He or she may show that the perpetrator intended to sell or distribute the drugs. With this being the case, this crime becomes a felony.

During the trial, a prosecutor must present evidence that demonstrates that the defendant does not possess these substances for his or her personal use. Instead, they must convince the jury that the defendant had plans to sell the substances so that it will convict the defendant on drug trafficking charges. The prosecutor does this by presenting evidence that was found at the scene. This may include plastic baggies or a scale. Sometimes, law enforcement officials find a large sum of money on the premises or records that list each sale. Witnesses may even testify that they purchased drugs from the defendant.

You can be charged with drug trafficking even if you had no intention of distributing the drug. You would be arrested on drug trafficking charges if you were found to be in possession of an illegal substance in a particular amount. For example, an individual may be arrested with 1,000 kilograms of a mixture that contains heroin.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Penalties for Drug Trafficking

If you are convicted of drug trafficking, you may receive very serious penalties. It will be a federal case if the perpetrator transported drugs across state lines. You can be charged with drug trafficking whether you are a local drug dealer or a leader of a cartel. On average, those charged with drug trafficking received a prison sentence of 76 months. A total of 96.3% of this population received a prison sentence.

Penalties depend on the amount of the substance and the type. For example, drug trafficking of 500-4,999 grams of cocaine results in a prison sentence between five years and 40 years for a first offender. If a death or serious bodily injury resulted, a first offender would receive a sentence of at least 20 years in prison or a maximum life sentence.

If convicted on a second offense, the penalties will be even more severe. For example, for the trafficking of marijuana, a conviction on a second offense may result in a prison sentence between 20 years and a life sentence. If a death resulted, the penalty increases to a mandatory life sentence. An individual offender also receives a fine of at least $8 million.

Drug Trafficking Charges

If you have been arrested on a drug trafficking charge, you must hire a federal drug crime attorney. The country is in the middle of a devastating opioid epidemic, so the federal government is combating this problem with harsh prosecution of drug offenses. You need an attorney to make sure that the federal government does not take advantage of you and prosecutes your case fairly.

A criminal defense attorney may be able to have these drug trafficking charges dropped. He or she may be able to have your charges reduced. Your attorney may be able to work out a plea agreement with the prosecution so that you will not be susceptible to the harsh penalties that were listed above.

In order to prove that you are guilty of drug trafficking, the DA must demonstrate the following:

• You knew that you were in possession of controlled substances.
• You actively transported, sold or imported the substance, or you had the intention of distributing or selling the controlled substance.

To be accused of being in “control” of a substance, you do not have to have it in your possession. All that is required is the intention or the ability to take control of the substance. To prove distribution, the prosecution must demonstrate with physical evidence that you were engaged in transporting the controlled substance.

Drug Trafficking Defenses

Your attorney has several defenses that he or she can present at your trial. These include the following:

• The defense can claim that you thought the substance you were dealing with was legal.
• Someone may have entrapped you.
• You had no intention of selling or distributing the drugs in your possession.
• The drugs were not in your possession.
• You didn’t know that the drugs existed.
• The arresting officer did not have probable cause to arrest you.
• The evidence that the prosecution received was the result of an illegal search or seizure.
• The prosecution cannot prove that you are guilty of drug trafficking beyond a reasonable doubt.

If you have been charged with drug trafficking, you must hire a criminal defense attorney with experience in the federal court system. A drug trafficking case tried in a state court will be different from one that goes forward in the federal court, so your attorney must have tried cases in the federal court system before.