Arkansas Drug Trafficking Lawyers

Arkansas Drug Trafficking Lawyers: Why You Need One and How They Can Help

Getting charged with drug trafficking in Arkansas is extremely serious. Trafficking charges always carry mandatory minimum prison sentences, – some drug amounts can result in life without parole. That’s why if you, or a loved one, has been accused of trafficking drugs in Arkansas, you most need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. Our Arkansas drug trafficking attorneys can help you understand the charges, build a strong defense, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Overview of Arkansas Drug Trafficking Laws

Arkansas categorizes drug trafficking offenses into a few tiers based on the weight or quantity of drugs involved. Penalties can increase from Tier 1 up through Tier 4, with Tier 4 reserved for the most severe large-scale trafficking. Here’s an a brief overview of the key provisions in Arkansas Code Title 5, Subtitle 6, Chapter 15:

Tier 1 Drug Trafficking

• Less than 28 grams mixture containing cocaine
• Less than 28 grams mixture containing methamphetamine
• Less than 200 grams mixture containing heroin
• Less than 28 grams of any other Schedule I or II substance
• Mandatory 3-10 years in prison

Tier 2 Drug Trafficking

• 28-200 grams cocaine
• 28-200 grams methamphetamine
• 200-400 grams heroin
• 28-200 grams any other Schedule I or II substance
• Mandatory 5-20 years in prison

Tier 3 Drug Trafficking

• 200-400 grams cocaine
• 200-400 grams methamphetamine
• 400-600 grams heroin
• 200-400 grams any other Schedule I or II substance
• Mandatory 10-40 years or life in prison

Tier 4 Drug Trafficking

• More than 400 grams cocaine
• More than 400 grams methamphetamine
• More than 600 grams heroin
• More than 400 grams any other Schedule I or II substance
• Mandatory life imprisonment without parole

Drug trafficking other controlled substances like marijuana, LSD, and ecstasy is penalized according to drug weight brackets, with Tier 4 punishments starting at 500 pounds of marijuana, 500 dosage units of LSD, and 28 grams of ecstasy. You can click here to see the full statute for complete details.

Common Drug Trafficking Defenses

If you’re facing drug trafficking charges, don’t panic. There are strong defenses an experienced drug trafficking lawyer can use to get charges reduced or dismissed. Some potential reasons include:

• You didn’t knowingly possess the drugs: If police found drugs in your home or a car that belonged to someone else, you may be able to show you didn’t knowingly possess them. This is especially true if others had access to the property.
• The drugs were for personal use only: Even if you possessed drugs, your lawyer may be able to argue they were intended for personal use, not trafficking. This can help get lesser charges like simple possession. Depending on the drug, it can result in charges completely dropped.
• Illegal search and seizure: If police searched you or your property illegally, any evidence found may be suppressed. An illegal traffic stop or unconstitutional car search could lead to exclusion.
• You were entrapped: Undercover cops cannot coerce or improperly induce you into committing a crime you wouldn’t otherwise commit. A solid entrapment defense can defeat trafficking charges.
• Misidentified substance: Lab tests could show the supposed “drugs” were not actually controlled substances at all. Inadequate chemical testing is a common problem.

A good attorney will thoroughly examine the facts of your case, consult experts, and identify any plausible defenses to pursue. The right defense strategy can make the difference between prison and dismissal.

Penalties for an Arkansas Drug Trafficking Conviction

The penalties for being convicted of drug trafficking in Arkansas are severe. Law enforcement and prosecutors aggressively go after trafficking charges due to their severity under the law. Potential penalties include:

• Long mandatory minimum prison sentences: Depending on the quantity and type of drug, you’ll face mandatory minimums ranging from 3 years up to life without parole. Judges cannot sentence below these minimums.
• Massive fines: On top of imprisonment, trafficking convictions carry fines up to $250,000 or more. These can leave you financially devastated.
• Asset forfeiture: Police can seize cash, cars, homes, and other assets they suspect are tied to drug trafficking. Even if you aren’t convicted, fighting to get your property back is an uphill battle.
• Loss of privileges: A felony conviction also results in losing voting rights, gun ownership rights, and certain professional licenses while incarcerated or on probation.
• Immigration consequences: For non-citizens, a trafficking conviction means likely deportation and a permanent ban from entering the U.S.
• Stigma and reduced job prospects: The social stigma and diminished professional opportunities from having a felony trafficking conviction can last a lifetime.

The severe mandatory penalties for trafficking convictions leave people little hope unless they have an aggressive legal advocate on their side. An experienced local criminal defense lawyer is critical.

Finding the Best Lawyer for an Arkansas Drug Trafficking Case

If you or someone you love is facing drug trafficking charges in Arkansas, you need legal help immediately. Here are tips for finding the best attorney:

• Look for a criminal defense attorney, not a general practice attorney. You want an attorney who is focused exclusively on criminal defense with trial experience handling drug cases.
• Find a a criminal attorney who is familiar with local courts, judges, and prosecutors. This knowledge of the local courts helps in plea negotiations and trial strategy.
• Choose a criminal lawyer located near where charges were filed. Local familiarity is super helpful, and you want someone who can represent you in person at every court appearance.
• Ask about the lawyer’s case success record and credentials like board certification in criminal trial law. Results matter.
• Make sure the lawyer has experience handling large-scale drug and trafficking cases before. You need someone intimately familiar with the complex laws and stiff penalties.
• Discuss legal fees upfront and look for someone open to payment plans if money is tight.

With an experienced local lawyer guiding the defense, it is possible to get charges reduced or mitigated sentences in many trafficking cases. Don’t take chances with public defenders or untested attorneys. The consequences are too high.

Act Fast If You’re Facing Arkansas Trafficking Charges

If you get arrested for drug trafficking in Arkansas, this can be scary and overwhelming. But with an aggressive criminal defense lawyer, you can protect your rights, avoid mandatory minimums, and seek the best possible outcome. Time is critical, so retain experienced legal counsel immediately if you or someone close to you has been accused of trafficking. With the right legal strategy and advocacy, there are options other than lengthy prison sentences in many cases. Don’t leave freedom to chance.