Drug trafficking, also known as drug distribution, is when a person or group illicitly transports, sells, manufactures, or delivers controlled substances. Although drug crimes encompass a wide variety of matters, many people arrested for trafficking drugs will face federal or felony charges.
At Aron Law Firm, we defend people accused of drug trafficking in Santa Barbara and throughout California. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys have an established track record of minimizing the consequences associated with drug trafficking charges in Santa Barbara.
California and Federal Laws Regarding Drug Trafficking in Santa Barbara
The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) categorizes all substances regulated under U.S. federal law into one of five schedules. A drug’s schedule placement is determined by considering the substance’s:
- Medical use
- Potential for abuse
- Safety
- Dependence liability
Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse and include drugs like Robitussin AC and Lomotil. On the other hand, Schedule I drugs have the highest potential for abuse and do not have any currently accepted medical use. Heroin, marijuana, LSD, and ecstasy are all federally classified as Schedule I drugs.
Health and Safety Code Section 11352 forbids any person from importing, selling, furnishing, administering, or giving away any controlled substance in the State of California.
Various strategies may be used to defend a drug trafficking charge in Santa Barbara. Whether you face state or federal drug charges, you still hold lawful rights under the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution – including that all searches and seizures are performed legitimately.
Penalties You Could Face for Drug Trafficking Crimes in Santa Barbara
Because the trafficking of illegal drugs often involves state or international boundary crossings and federally illegal substances, many people facing drug trafficking charges are looking at federal crimes, subject to federal drug trafficking penalties.
Even California courts tend to be tough on drug traffickers, so the consequences are typically harsh in Santa Barbara. Some of the most severe drug distribution crimes could even land you up to life imprisonment.
Penalties may also be enhanced if the accused person has a criminal history or if the drug trafficking crime involved:
- A person under the age of 18
- Another criminal offense
- A restricted area, such as a school
In California, many drug trafficking charges are subject to mandatory minimum sentencing laws, meaning that anyone who is found guilty must be given a certain minimum sentence regardless of whether the judge believes the sentence is appropriate for the crime. These mandatory minimum sentencing laws may lead to unnecessarily cruel penalties for anyone found guilty of drug trafficking.
For the best chance at minimizing your penalties or having your drug trafficking charges dropped entirely, you will need to secure the help of a highly skilled drug trafficking defense lawyer. In some cases, it may be possible to receive time spent in a drug rehabilitation center instead as a substitution for time spent in prison.
Consult an Experienced Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney in Santa Barbara, California
California prosecutors often take an aggressive approach to drug trafficking crimes. Anyone facing charges involving the distribution of drugs could endure harsh penalties that could affect them for the rest of their lives. Seek legal counsel from an experienced Santa Barbara drug trafficking lawyer who will defend your case with a thoughtful, intelligent, and assertive approach.
Because we take a client-centered approach in everything we do, we make ourselves available to help you when you need it. Our office is available for calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are under investigation for a drug trafficking crime in Santa Barbara, contact us at Aron Law Firm by calling (805) 618-1768 or submitting a completed contact form.
