Were you charged with or arrested for drug trafficking in Los Angeles, CA? Prosecutors won’t take these charges lightly, and neither should you. An experienced Los Angeles drug trafficking lawyer from William S. Kroger can help you protect your rights and your freedom. Call us now to schedule a confidential consultation to learn more.
We have decades of experience handling serious drug crimes charges in California. We know the strategies prosecutors use to build these cases; we know the defense options that weaken their cases. Contact us today to discuss your case with an experienced attorney.
Why Choose William S. Kroger to Handle Your Drug Trafficking Defense?
Drug trafficking investigations are often highly complex and aggressively prosecuted. Defendants may face both state and federal exposure, significant prison time, and life-changing consequences if convicted.
When the stakes are highest, clients in Los Angeles, California, regularly choose William S. Kroger Attorney at Law because:
- Our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers have extensive experience defending serious felony drug charges in Los Angeles.
- We are dedicated exclusively to criminal defense.
- We’ve defended thousands of clients.
- We have a track record of securing dismissals, not-guilty verdicts, and reduced charges.
- We provide personalized client service throughout your case.
- We never back down from state or federal prosecutors or law enforcement agencies.
Call us today to schedule a free case review with an experienced Los Angeles drug trafficking lawyer who can help you.
What Is Drug Trafficking in California?
Drug trafficking generally refers to the transportation, sale, distribution, importation, or large-scale possession of controlled substances. Trafficking operations regularly involve drugs like
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
- Prescription drugs
- Marijuana in unlawful quantities
- Other controlled substances
In many cases, drug trafficking investigations and charges involve multiple law enforcement agencies, including the LAPD, DEA, HIDTA, and other relevant agencies. Some cases may ultimately be prosecuted in federal court, particularly when investigators allege large trafficking organizations or interstate distribution networks.
Evidence in a Drug Trafficking Case
Drug trafficking cases differ from simple possession cases. Often, law enforcement may attempt to prove trafficking by using evidence like:
- Large quantities of narcotics
- Packaging materials
- Digital scales
- Large amounts of cash
- Text messages
- Surveillance evidence
- Firearms
- Communications with alleged buyers
Prosecutors attempt to infer intent to sell or distribute based on the surrounding circumstances, rather than any single piece of evidence.
What Are the Penalties for Drug Trafficking?
Drug trafficking offenses in California can be prosecuted under both California law and federal law, depending on the amount of drugs involved, the type of controlled substance, and whether federal agencies participate in the investigation.
Transportation or Sale of Controlled Substances
Under California Health and Safety Code § 11352, trafficking offenses involving substances such as cocaine, heroin, or certain prescription drugs may carry:
- 3, 4, or 5 years in county jail or state prison
- Formal probation in limited cases
- Substantial fines, often up to $20,000
- Asset forfeiture allegations
- Mandatory drug offender registration in some situations
The sentence may increase if aggravating circumstances were present.
Methamphetamine Trafficking
Under California Health and Safety Code § 11351, methamphetamine trafficking can result in 2, 3, or 4 years incarceration, with potential sentence enhancements for large quantities. The penalties may increase if interstate transportation was involved.
Possession for Sale
Prosecutors may file trafficking-related charges if evidence suggests intent to sell (even without an actual sale).
Penalties for possession for sale include:
- Felony probation in some cases
- Jail or prison exposure
- Significant fines
- Search and seizure consequences
Evidence like large quantities of drugs, packaging materials, scales, and cases may suggest an intent to sell.
Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties
Federal prosecutors often pursue cases involving interstate trafficking or cartel/organized distribution networks. Federal charges may arise under 21 U.S.C. § 841 and/or 21 U.S.C. § 846.
For federal penalties, charges can include:
- 5 years to life imprisonment
- Mandatory minimum sentences
- High fines
- Federal supervised release
- Federal asset forfeiture
Prior felony drug convictions can substantially increase mandatory federal penalties.
What Defenses Are Available in Drug Trafficking Cases?
Being arrested for drug trafficking does not automatically mean the prosecution can prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. Some prosecutors overcharge a defendant and allege trafficking with the facts don’t warrant it. Other prosecutors may not have sufficient evidence to prove their case.
These cases frequently involve complicated constitutional and evidentiary issues that may provide strong defense opportunities. Common defenses may include:
Illegal Searches and Seizures
Police must comply with constitutional requirements when conducting searches and seizures. Many trafficking cases begin with traffic stops or vehicle or home searches.
Police must comply with strict constitutional requirements when conducting searches and seizures. If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights, the evidence may potentially be suppressed.
Lack of Intent to Sell
Possessing narcotics does not automatically establish trafficking or distribution intent. In some cases, the defense may argue the drugs were for personal use, or you lacked knowledge of the narcotics.
Challenging Constructive Possession
Prosecutors must generally prove the defendant knowingly possessed or controlled the narcotics. Possession can become complicated when drugs are discovered in shared residences, common areas, or inside vehicles with multiple occupants
Challenging Chain of Custody or Lab Testing
Mistakes involving forensic testing or evidence handling may weaken the prosecution’s case.
The defense options available in your case depend on the facts and circumstances of your case. A skilled attorney can review your case and build a defense that gets you the best odds of a favorable resolution.
How a Los Angeles Drug Trafficking Lawyer Can Help
Drug trafficking investigations are often complex and aggressively prosecuted. A skilled defense attorney can help protect your rights and work to reduce or avoid serious criminal penalties.
A Los Angeles Drug Trafficking Lawyer may assist by:
- Representing clients during bail hearings, arraignments, and court appearances
- Challenging unlawful searches or seizures under the Fourth Amendment
- Seeking suppression of illegally obtained evidence
- Investigating whether drugs were actually possessed or controlled by the defendant
- Challenging allegations involving intent to sell or transport narcotics
- Reviewing laboratory testing and chain-of-custody procedures
- Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing
- Advising clients regarding collateral consequences
- Preparing an aggressive defense strategy for trial when necessary
Law enforcement often builds drug trafficking investigations for months before making arrests or filing charges. That’s why it’s important to consult an attorney at the earliest stages of your case to even the playing field.
Contact Our Los Angeles Drug Trafficking Lawyers for Help
Drug trafficking allegations can place your freedom and future risk. Prosecutors may seek to make an example of your case. Our experienced Los Angeles drug trafficking lawyers won’t let that happen without a fight.
William S. Kroger has extensive experience defending clients accused of serious drug crimes. Our firm understands how narcotics investigations are built and how to challenge them.
If you were arrested or are under investigation for drug trafficking, contact William S. Kroger today to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your legal options.