Drug Trafficking Attorney in Quincy

A drug trafficking conviction involving any controlled substance can put you behind bars for years. If you or a loved one has been charged with drug trafficking, you need strong defense representation immediately. You should not talk to law enforcement until you have talked to your attorney.

At the Quincy law firm of Sweeney & Associates, LLC, our defense team is thoroughly experienced with serious felony drug cases. We understand mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines, and we are known for getting the most favorable possible results for clients facing jail time and other severe consequences. As your attorneys, we will do everything in our power to negotiate drug trafficking charges down to lesser drug charges.

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Facing drug trafficking charges? Call (617) 300-0212 today for expert legal help.

What are the Penalties for Drug Trafficking in Massachusetts?

The penalties that you face will depend on whether you were alleged to be trafficking a Class A, B, C, D or E drug in Massachusetts and what amount of that drug was being trafficked. Potential penalties include:

• Class A drugs include heroin, morphine, codeine, and ketamine.
• Class B drugs include cocaine, crack, opium, methamphetamine (meth), LSD, Ecstasy, oxycodone, OxyContin, and methadone.
• Class C drugs include peyote, clonazepam, psilocybin, and mescaline.
• Class D drugs include marijuana, nitrous acid, and nitrites (poppers).
• Class E drugs include smaller amounts of codeine, dihydrocodeine, opium, and other narcotics and prescription drugs not included in the other classes.

The burden of proof rests with the prosecuting attorney, who must prove that you were in possession of a minimum amount (measured by weight) for the particular drug and that you intended to distribute that amount.

There are many points in the case against you that our team will be able to challenge, and we will put significant pressure on the prosecution to reduce the charges and penalties that you face.

Massachusetts Mandatory Minimum Sentencing for Drug Trafficking

The mandatory minimum sentence for drug trafficking can vary depending on the circumstances:

• if death or serious injury results: 20 years
• With prior drug felony convictions: 20 years
• with prior drug felony conviction if death or serious injury results, or with two or more drug felony convictions: Life sentence
• repeat offender: 10 years
• Simple possession of a controlled substance with 1 prior conviction: 15 days
• Drug Kingpin: 20 years
• Firearms involved in drug trafficking: 7 years - life
• Serious violent felony with 2 or more prior serious drug and/or violent felony convictions: life sentence

Defenses to Drug Trafficking Charges

If you are facing drug trafficking charges, there are several potential defenses your attorney may use to fight the case. Here are some common defense strategies:

• Lack of Knowledge or Intent:
  This defense argues that the defendant did not know about the drugs or did not intend to distribute them. It is often used in cases where drugs were found in a vehicle or location that the defendant had no control over.
• Illegal Search and Seizure:
  The Fourth Amendment protects against unlawful searches and seizures. If law enforcement violated your rights by conducting a search without a valid warrant or probable cause, any evidence obtained may be inadmissible in court.
• Entrapment:
  Entrapment occurs when law enforcement encourages or pressures the defendant to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed. If this can be proven, it may lead to the charges being dismissed.
• Coercion or Duress:
  In some cases, a defendant may claim they were forced to participate in drug trafficking due to threats or fear for their safety. If proven, this defense can reduce or eliminate liability.

What to Do if Arrested for Drug Trafficking

Being arrested for drug trafficking can be overwhelming. Here are the steps you should take:

• Stay Silent:
  It’s important not to speak to law enforcement without a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
• Contact an Attorney:
  Call a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Having experienced legal representation can make a huge difference in the outcome of your case.
• Understand Bail and Pre-Trial Release:
  After your arrest, you may be eligible for bail or pre-trial release. The court will consider factors such as flight risk, criminal history, and the severity of the charges.

Impact of Drug Trafficking Convictions on Immigration

A drug trafficking conviction can have serious consequences for non-citizens. Here’s how it can affect immigration:

• Effects on Green Card Holders:
  If you have a green card, a drug trafficking conviction could put your permanent resident status at risk. It may lead to deportation or prevent you from renewing your green card.
• Deportation Risks:
  Non-U.S. citizens convicted of drug trafficking may face deportation, even if they have lived in the country for many years.
• Criminal Record and Future Immigration Issues:
  A conviction can impact your ability to obtain visas, apply for citizenship, or sponsor family members for immigration. It can create long-term obstacles to your immigration status.

Understanding these issues is vital to preparing a strong defense. If you're facing drug trafficking charges, an experienced attorney can guide you through these challenges.

Why Hire Us?

Attorney Richard Sweeney is a retired Boston police sergeant detective of 13 years. As a trial lawyer, he brings over 15 years of criminal defense experience to your case. Attorney Sweeney knows the challenges that you face, and he's one of the top criminal defense attorneys in Massachusetts.

Attorney Sweeney commanded one of Boston's elite drug units for years. He trained officers across the state on investigative techniques, arrest procedures, and evidence collection in drug cases.

We know how to mitigate the charges and protect your freedoms:

• We will protect your constitutional rights.
• We will examine the evidence in the case against you, and then, build a defense based on the information we discover that is in your favor.
• We will challenge the probable cause for search and seizure.
• We will find any procedural mistakes made in the course of investigation, arrest, evidence gathering, witness interviews or drug lab analysis.
• We will examine the procedures and test results from the drug lab, which have been known to contain inaccuracies and drug sample contaminations.

We will take immediate action in your defense and protect your reputation proactively. One of the most important decisions you will make is who to hire as your attorney. This decision can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Drug Trafficking Charges

1. What is the difference between drug trafficking and drug possession?Drug trafficking involves the manufacturing, distribution, or sale of illegal substances. The charges typically depend on the amount of the drug found. 
   Drug possession, on the other hand, is when someone is caught holding illegal substances, without evidence of intent to distribute. Trafficking charges carry harsher penalties due to the larger quantities and potential for wider distribution.
2. Can I be convicted of drug trafficking if I was not actually caught with drugs?
   Yes, you can still be charged with drug trafficking if there is evidence that you were involved in the transportation, distribution, or sale of drugs. Even if drugs were not found on your person, law enforcement can use wiretaps, surveillance, or testimonies to prove your involvement in a trafficking network.
3. How can a lawyer help reduce my drug trafficking charges?
   A skilled lawyer can challenge the evidence against you, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, and ensure your constitutional rights are upheld during the investigation and trial. They can also look for weaknesses in the case, such as improper searches or insufficient evidence, to help get the charges reduced or dropped.
4. Can I get probation for a drug trafficking conviction in Massachusetts?
   It’s possible, but probation is rare for serious drug trafficking cases, especially for large quantities of drugs or if the defendant has prior convictions. In some instances, your attorney may be able to negotiate for a plea deal that includes probation, diversion programs, or rehabilitation instead of jail time.
5. What is the maximum sentence for drug trafficking in Massachusetts?
   The maximum sentence depends on the type of drug involved and the amount trafficked. For example, trafficking in Class A drugs (like heroin) can carry a sentence of up to life in prison, while Class B drugs (like cocaine) may result in 10 to 20 years. Repeat offenders or cases involving firearms can face even harsher penalties.
6. How does a drug trafficking conviction affect my ability to get a job?
   A conviction for drug trafficking can create a criminal record that may affect your job prospects. Many employers conduct background checks, and a felony conviction can disqualify you from certain positions, especially in fields like healthcare, law enforcement, and education. However, expungement or sealing of your record may be possible under certain circumstances.
7. Can I be charged with drug trafficking if I didn’t sell or distribute the drugs myself?
   Yes. If you are found to be part of a conspiracy or involved in the transportation, packaging, or possession of drugs with the intent to distribute, you can still face trafficking charges, even if you didn’t directly sell or distribute the drugs yourself.

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