When you bring illegal drugs over the border that you bought or you want to sell, that is drug trafficking. If a court convicts you of drug trafficking, you could face serious penalties.
According to the United States Sentencing Commission, 17,520 people in 2021 alone went to jail for drug trafficking. Here are some things you should know about drug trafficking.
You do not have to be a dealer for the police to arrest you for drug trafficking
If you have illegal drugs and travel from one state to another, that is drug trafficking. You do not have to be a dealer or have a large number of drugs in your possession for the police to charge you.
The number of drugs and their schedule determines your penalty
Possessing cocaine brings a more severe penalty than marijuana. The more drugs you have with you, the harsher your sentence might be as well.
No matter what type of drug you have in your possession, drug trafficking is a felony. You could spend at least three years in jail and pay a fine of at least $25,000.
If you are carrying a firearm when the police arrest you, the penalties are harsher
Armed trafficking is different from trafficking drugs and carries a harsher penalty. You will likely face time in jail.
If the police arrest you for drug trafficking, remember that you have rights. You have the right to a speedy trial. You have defenses available and you can become an informant in exchange for a lesser sentence.
