Massachusetts Legal Developments Blog

Responding to Massachusetts Drug Trafficking Charges

Five people were recently arrested following a drug raid that occurred in Somerset County. Somerset law enforcement reports that a search warrant was issued for an Anson apartment after law enforcement received details about firearm and drug offenses at the location.  

During a search of the residence, law enforcement discovered five pounds of fentanyl, more than two pounds of cocaine, methamphetamines, drug paraphernalia, and stolen goods.

The man who lived at the location was charged with aggravated trafficking in scheduled drugs and firearm possession.

Drug addiction is a problem throughout the world, and our government places harsh penalties on drug crimes in an attempt to discourage individuals from manufacturing and distributing controlled substances. If you are interested in fighting a charge of drug trafficking in Massachusetts, a skilled criminal defense lawyer can help you create a strong defense.

Strategies to Defend Against Drug Trafficking Charges 

Drug trafficking can be prosecuted at either the state or federal level. If you are convicted of drug trafficking in the state of Massachusetts, a conviction could lead to you facing years in prison and fines. Some of the strategies that might prove helpful in your case include:

  • Your rights were violated. Law enforcement must respect your constitutional rights when arresting you, searching any assets you have, and collecting evidence. A skilled criminal defense lawyer will review any error made by law enforcement to make sure that no evidence is to be submitted to court if your rights are violated. If you were a victim of entrapment, the arresting officer lacked probable cause on which to perform an arrest.
  • Insufficient evidence. The prosecution must establish adequate evidence to show that you manufactured, dispensed, transported, or distributed the drugs in question in a trafficking offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Motions to suppress evidence that was illegally obtained will weaken the prosecution’s case.
  • Lack of intent or knowledge. For a trafficking conviction, the prosecution must establish that a person was aware of the presence of the substances involved, had the opportunity to access them, and intended to distribute them for personal use. Some defendants have committed drug-related offenses, but trafficking does not represent the correct charge.

Sometimes You Cannot Avoid a Trafficking Conviction

In some situations, the best defense to a trafficking charge might involve mitigating the penalties and repercussions you end up facing. Even if you cannot avoid a conviction of trafficking, we can still help you in various ways, which include the following:

  • Advising you about any recent changes to the legal system that have an impact on your case.
  • Arguing that you should actually receive a lesser charge than what the prosecution is pursuing.
  • Preserving your right to receive parole after serving half of your sentence.

Do Not Hesitate to Contact an Experienced Defense Lawyer

Drug offenses in Massachusetts carry serious penalties. If you or your loved one is charged with a drug offense, you should not wait to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Contact Attorney Edward R Molari today to schedule a free case evaluation.