Rhode Island Drug Trafficking Lawyer
Providing Aggressive Defense for Drug Trafficking Charges
If you have been charged with drug trafficking, you should understand that the penalties in Rhode Island are extremely severe. The state takes a hard line against those who are found to be trafficking in controlled substances and will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. Even if you are found to be in possession of a small amount of a controlled substance, you could still be charged with trafficking if it is believed that you intend to sell it. At the Law Offices of Robert H. Humphrey, our Rhode Island drug trafficking lawyer, is here to fight for your rights and ensure that you receive a fair and just legal process.
Call the Law Offices of Robert H. Humphrey today at (401) 441-5486 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our drug trafficking attorney in Rhode Island.
What is Drug Trafficking?
Drug trafficking is deemed a serious criminal offense in Rhode Island, as well as at the federal level. It involves the sale, transportation, distribution, or possession with the intention to distribute illegal drugs or controlled substances, like cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, and prescription medications when not legally obtained. Drug trafficking offenses are often considered more severe than simple possession charges because they typically involve larger quantities of drugs and can have a broader impact on the community.
What are the Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Rhode Island?
The penalties for drug trafficking in Rhode Island can be severe, including substantial fines and lengthy prison sentences. The specific consequences you may face depend on various factors, like the type and quantity of drugs involved, your criminal history, and whether you are being charged at the state or federal level.
- State Penalties: In Rhode Island, drug trafficking charges are typically classified as felonies. The severity of the felony and the associated penalties can differ based on the specific circumstances of your case. Convictions may result in substantial fines and prison sentences ranging from several years to life in prison.
- Federal Penalties: If your case is pursued at the federal level, the penalties can be even more severe. Federal drug trafficking convictions may result in lengthy prison sentences, frequently without the possibility of parole, as well as substantial fines.
Defenses Against Drug Trafficking Charges
Some common defenses against drug trafficking charges may include:
- Illegal Search and Seizure: We can thoroughly examine whether law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights by conducting an unlawful search or seizure.
- Lack of Intent: To be convicted, it must be proven that you intended to distribute the drugs. We may challenge this element of the case.
- Chain of Custody Issues: We can investigate whether there were any errors or irregularities in the handling and storage of evidence.
- Miranda Rights Violations: If your Miranda rights had not been properly read to you during your arrest, we may argue that any statements you made should be suppressed.
- Witness Credibility: We can scrutinize the credibility of witnesses and informants who may testify against you.
- Entrapment: We may assert an entrapment defense if law enforcement induced you into executing a crime you would not have otherwise committed.