Drug trafficking or illegal drug trading is a criminal offense that occurs when a person transports, manufactures, and sells unlawful controlled substances such as:  marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, Ecstasy, or methamphetamines.  Drug trafficking operations tend to run a large scale basis, either domestically or internationally.  In most cases, drug trafficking is categorized as a federal offense, due to the scope and nature of the crime itself. 

Drug Trafficking – Criminal Charges

When a person is arrested for drug trafficking, he/she may be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony drug offense at the state level, federal level, or both.  The severity and classification of the person’s drug charges will usually depend upon:

• the type of drug trafficked
• the amount of drug trafficked
• if the crime was committed domestically
• if the crime was committed internationally
• the person’s criminal background
• if the person has had prior drug crime convictions

The legal penalties for a drug trafficking conviction range from long-term imprisonment to large fines.  For this reason, any person who has been charged with drug trafficking should always consider retaining the services of a knowledgeable drug defense attorney who is familiar with both state and federal drug laws.  Without help from a skilled litigator, people stand little chance of successfully defending themselves in court, especially when they are up against experienced prosecutors and aggressive law enforcement authorities.

Have your or a loved one been arrested on other charges? If so, contact our Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys to discuss your case and to map out a plan for the best defense possible. Our firm also has considerable experience with DUI related cases. If your case involves a DUI or drunk driving related charge, contact our Los Angeles DUI attorneys.

Los Angeles & San Fernando Valley Drug Trafficking Defense Law Firm

If you have been charged with drug trafficking in Los Angeles or the San Fernando Valley, you will need a knowledgeable defense attorney on your side.  At the Hedding Law Firm, we have handled numerous drug trafficking cases with immense success.  Our drug crime defense layers are ready and willing to help you fight your serious charges.