Drug Trafficking Charges and Penalties in Seattle
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Drug Trafficking Charges and Penalties in Seattle
Getting charged with drug trafficking can be scary. The penalties are harsh, and it can really mess up your life. This article will break down the laws in Seattle and Washington State, so you understand what your facing if charged with trafficking. I’ll also talk about defenses that could help you fight the charges.
What is Drug Trafficking?
Drug trafficking basically means distributing illegal drugs on a large scale. This includes:
- Making drugs
- Selling drugs
- Delivering or transporting drugs
It’s different from just simple possession or small sales to friends. Trafficking means your moving large quantities of drugs as part of an illegal business.
The most common trafficked drugs in Seattle are:
- Meth
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Weed
- Prescription pills like Oxycontin
To be convicted of drug trafficking, prosecutors have to prove:
- You knowingly possessed the drugs
- You intended to distribute or sell the drugs
It all comes down to those two elements – possession and intent to distribute. The amount of drugs involved also matters because higher quantities bring higher penalties.
Federal Penalties
Federal drug trafficking charges often involve big operations with lots of drugs and money. Penalties are harsh:
- 5 to 40 years for first offense
- 10 years to life for second offense
- Up to $10 million in fines for individuals
The exact penalty depends on the drug amount and your criminal record. Even small amounts of drugs like meth or GHB can bring 10 years to life.
Federal drug cases also commonly involve forfeiting assets. They will take cars, cash, homes, businesses etc connected to the drug operation.
Defenses to Drug Trafficking
There are defenses that an experienced lawyer can use to fight trafficking charges. For example, you can argue you didn’t knowingly possess the drugs. Or the evidence against you was obtained illegally.
Suppressing evidence is key but takes an expert lawyer. Small technicalities can get evidence thrown out. So never take a plea deal without exploring defenses.
If your facing trafficking charges, you need to hire an aggressive lawyer fast. The penalties are so high that you can’t risk going it alone. Look for lawyers with proven success beating these cases. Don’t take chances with your life.
Drug trafficking charges ruin lives. Get experienced legal help fighting them. Know your rights and defenses. This article summarized the laws and penalties in Seattle. But every case is different. So talk to a lawyer about your specific situation.