Drug trafficking is the illegal sale, production, transport, movement, and distribution of illegal drugs and controlled-substances that are acquired unlawfully. The most commonly trafficked drugs in the United States are cocaine, heroin, PCP, LSD, methamphetamines, and marijuana. Trafficking drugs is a major source of crime throughout the world. The Drug Enforcement Administration is a federal agency which investigates people who are suspected of production, distribution, smuggling, and sale of illegal substances. They exist to penalize those who are suspected of drug trafficking, and seek harsh punishments for those accused of participating in any step of the drug trafficking process. If you have been accused of trafficking drugs in the State of New Jersey, contact a Bergen County criminal attorney as soon as possible.

Charges & Penalties for Trafficking Drugs

Since it is one of the most serious criminal offenses, those who are accused of partaking in the drug trafficking process usually face 1st degree felony charges. However, the severity of the punishment depends on the drug that is being trafficked. For example, if one is charged with marijuana trafficking, they may face fines that range from $25,000 to $200,000, along with a prison sentence of about 3-15 years. The fines and jail time depend on how much marijuana is being trafficked. Heroin trafficking, on the other hand, has fines that range from $50,000 to $500,000, and one can be sentenced to prison for 3-25 years. Heroin trafficking is one of the most serious types of drug trafficking in the United States, so penalties are harsher.

Along with fines and prison sentences, a person accused of drug trafficking can lose civil rights and federal benefits. You may lose the right to own a firearm, and you may be denied for certain loans and grants. If you have multiple convictions, you can lose these types of rights permanently. If necessary, you may be directed for forfeit assets, monies, and properties that are connected to your drug trafficking conviction. This usually occurs if you are facing a severe drug trafficking charge. If you are not a legal citizen of the United States, and found guilty of drug trafficking, you will most likely face immediate deportation, and if you are trying to apply for citizenship, you will be denied. If you are found to be the leader of narcotics trafficking, this is a 1^st degree felony, and you will be sentenced to life in prison. Parole will not be available to you until you have served 25 years, and fines can be as high as $750,000.

How Our Bergen County Criminal Lawyer Can Help

If you are accused of committing any type of drug crime, you are facing years in prison and high fines. The Bergen County criminal lawyer at The Law Offices of Benjamin G. Kelsen, Esq., LLC, has represented clients who faced all types of criminal defense charges. Avvo has given Attorney Kelsen a Superb Rating, and he is endorsed by former clients and fellow attorneys. Depending on your case, our firm may be able to reduce or eliminate the criminal charges brought against you for your drug trafficking case. Contact us today to see if we are able to represent you against drug trafficking charges.