Norman Drug Trafficking Lawyer
Drug trafficking is a serious criminal offense in Norman, Oklahoma. If you are caught trafficking drugs, you could be facing time in prison, serious fines, and a lifelong criminal record. Getting a criminal record can impact your ability to find a job, vote, and much more.
Free Resources from OKC Criminal Defense Attorneys:
Have you or a loved one been arrested in Oklahoma City? Are you concerned about your future following arrest in Oklahoma? Our team of Your Fierce Advocates® at Cannon & Associates is led by Army Veteran, John Cannon and we’re privileged to fight for client’s rights and freedom in Oklahoma criminal defense cases. Please review our other FREE RESOURCES until we can answer your specific Oklahoma criminal defense questions:
Have you been charged with a serious crime? Have you been arrested? Got warrants?! Worried about defending those charges or worried about how you can make them go away? Well it doesn’t have to be that way. Serious steps need to be taken to avoid charges from becoming convictions. If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need a defense lawyer right away. A lawyer can stop the police from contacting you directly. If you want to get this resolved so you can go back to living your life, CALL NOW at (405) 972-8604. We’re available 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week to schedule a Free Case Planning Session to understand your options and rights in an Oklahoma criminal case!
Law enforcement in Oklahoma does not take drug crimes lightly, and if you are facing drug trafficking charges, it is important that you seek help from a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A criminal defense attorney can help minimize the penalties you receive for your alleged crime and fight to ensure that your life is not impacted by a permanent criminal record.
At Cannon & Associates, we are highly experienced in navigating the criminal justice system, and we have a team of criminal defense lawyers who can help you win your case. We know the stress and worry that comes with criminal charges, and our priority is to ensure that you receive fairness and justice throughout your drug trafficking case.
Our legal team will build a strong attorney-client relationship and will work with an unrivaled dedication when it comes to winning cases for our clients. We offer a free consultation for you to come in and speak with a criminal defense lawyer from our team with no strings attached.
Call our law firm today to schedule a free consultation at 405-591-3935.
What Is Drug Trafficking in Oklahoma?
Drug trafficking, also known as Trafficking of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, is defined as the distribution of illegal substances for the purpose of being sold. The main difference between drug trafficking and distribution is that trafficking typically involves much larger quantities of an illegal substance, or it involves serious criminal activities.
If you have been found with weighing scales, a large amount of cash, or anything else that indicates you intended to traffic drugs, you are more likely to be charged with drug trafficking.
The state of Oklahoma has, in fact relaxed its laws on drug possession, imposing only misdemeanor charges on those who are found in possession of a small quantity of drugs for personal use. However, the stakes for drug trafficking remain quite high within the state.
What Does The Law Say About Drug Trafficking?
Oklahoma law takes quite a broad approach to drug trafficking. The Oklahoma Trafficking in Illegal Drugs Act sets out that it is a crime for a person to:
“1. Knowingly distribute, manufacture, bring into this state or possess a controlled substance…”;
2. “Possess any controlled substance with the intent to manufacture a controlled substance…”; or
3. “Use or solicit the use of services of a person less than eighteen (18) years of age to distribute or manufacture a controlled dangerous substance…”
If you are caught conducting any of these activities, you can be charged with drug trafficking in Oklahoma. Speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to assess your legal options and to ensure that your charges are minimized or thrown out.
What Are ‘Illegal Drugs’ in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma citizens can only be charged with drug offenses if the substances found in their possession are listed as controlled substances under law. The Illegal Drugs Act classes the following as illegal substances:
- Marijuana.
- Cocaine, coca leaves, or cocaine base.
- Heroin.
- Amphetamine or methamphetamine.
- Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).
- Phencyclidine (PCP).
- Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).
- Morphine.
- Oxycodone.
- Hydrocodone.
- Benzodiazepine.
- Fentanyl.
Criminal Quantities of Illegal Drugs in Norman, OK.
The severity of the charge you receive will depend on the quantity of the substance you had in your possession and its risk of harm, as dictated by the law. In order to be charged with drug trafficking in Oklahoma, it must be shown that you had more than the following quantities of a substance in your possession:
- Marijuana – 25 pounds.
- Cocaine – 28 grams.
- Heroin – 10 grams.
- Methamphetamine – 20 grams.
- LSD – 1 gram.
- PCP – 20 grams.
- MDMA – 10 grams.
- Morphine – 1000 grams.
- Oxycodone – 400 grams.
- Hydrocodone – 3,750 grams.
- Benzodiazepine – 500 grams.
- Fentanyl – 1 gram.
If you are found with more than the quantities above of a controlled dangerous substance in your possession, you will be charged with drug trafficking in Oklahoma City, OK.
Felony Cases for Drug Trafficking in Oklahoma
Although both state and federal statutes criminalize trafficking drugs in Oklahoma, the penalties for being convicted of drug trafficking as a felony are much more severe. This is because state laws are governed by local law enforcement officers and county judges, whereas federal crimes are governed by the federal government. Because of this, crimes at a federal level are usually much more serious in nature.
The more serious the crime, the more likely it is to be charged as a felony. If you are found trafficking drugs across state lines, you will face felony drug trafficking charges.
A federal conviction is far more serious than a standard drug conviction, and it will leave a permanent stain on your record. You could be looking at a lengthy prison sentence, seriously high fines, and a long period of probation.
If you are facing felony charges in Oklahoma for drug trafficking, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. You will need a strong criminal defense to come up against federal prosecutors, and our team and Cannon & Associates have the legal experience necessary to help you win your case.
Penalties For Drug Trafficking in Norman, OK.
The penalties for a drug trafficking conviction depend entirely on the seriousness of the crime. If you were found with a large quantity of drugs in your possession, you will receive a much more severe penalty than a person who is convicted of trafficking a smaller amount of a substance.
Possible penalties you could face if convicted of drug trafficking in Oklahoma include:
- Time in prison, ranging from a couple of months up to life imprisonment.
- Mandatory minimum sentences for federal convictions.
- Fines ranging from $20,000 to $500,000.
- Life without parole if convicted more than once.
- Permanent criminal record.
Other aggravating factors, such as previous criminal convictions and involvement in organized crime, can play a role during sentencing. A criminal defense lawyer can help ensure that you do not face serious penalties if convicted of drug trafficking in Oklahoma.
Federal Penalties
Being convicted of drug trafficking at a federal level will result in more serious penalties.
There are minimum penalties set out for federal felony charges in Oklahoma, which means that if found guilty, you will automatically be sentenced to a certain number of years in prison. Being convicted of trafficking over 100 kilograms of marijuana across state lines, for example, will result in an automatic 10-year minimum prison sentence.
This is the mandatory minimum penalty, however, and the penalty can range up to life imprisonment for larger amounts.
Aggravated Drug Trafficking
Aside from first-degree murder, aggravated drug trafficking is regarded as one of the most serious crimes in Oklahoma. An aggravated drug trafficking conviction can result in severe criminal penalties, and it holds a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years.
This crime is considered a violent crime and as such follows the 85% rule, which means that a person convicted of aggravated drug trafficking is required to serve no less than 85% of their sentence. It is also not possible to receive parole before 85% of your prison sentence has been served.
Aggravated drug trafficking charges are serious and if convicted, you could be looking at a very long time in prison. We strongly recommend that you seek help from a criminal defense lawyer in Oklahoma if you are facing aggravated drug trafficking charges.
Criminal Defense for Drug Trafficking in Oklahoma
Drug trafficking is considered a serious crime both at the state level in Oklahoma and by the federal courts. The courts often have very little sympathy towards those who have been charged with drug trafficking, and state and federal prosecutors offer very little mercy when putting forward their cases to a judge.
To prove a charge of drug trafficking, a prosecutor must demonstrate to a court that:
- You 100% knowingly were in possession of a controlled substance.
- You were involved in the sale, importation, or transportation of said substance beyond a reasonable doubt.
The prosecution must prove that if you were found in possession of a substance, you had “full control” over the illegal drugs.
To defend these charges, you must show that you either had the drugs in your possession without your knowledge, or that you were not involved in the sale, importation, or transportation of the illegal substance. The most important thing to do is to insert an element of doubt into the minds of the jury that are substantial enough for them to find you not guilty.
Going up against a state or federal court without a trial lawyer can often be a recipe for disaster. It is important that you seek assistance from an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can help ensure that you are found not guilty of all charges, or at least reduce any penalties you receive from a guilty charge.
What Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do For Me?
As noted above, drug trafficking criminal cases are very serious, and the outcome can result in a criminal conviction that impacts the rest of your life. With the backing of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, you can minimize the impact of criminal charges and try to prevent getting a permanent criminal record.
A criminal defense attorney that has experience dealing with drug trafficking charges will know how to build up a strong criminal defense on your behalf. Their defense will aim to either get your case thrown out, get your charges reduced, or seek reduced sentencing for a conviction.
Even if you are facing misdemeanor charges, it is important that you have aggressive representation that can either get your charges thrown out or reduced substantially. If you opt for a public defender in Oklahoma, they may not have the time and resources necessary to build a criminal defense that is sufficient to win your case.
Build a Criminal Defense
Your experienced attorney must put forward a criminal defense that is strong and that suits your particular case. Some common defenses used by our criminal defense lawyers at Cannon & Associates include:
- It cannot be shown beyond a reasonable doubt that you were trafficking a controlled substance in Oklahoma.
- You were not actually in possession of a controlled substance.
- The substances found in your possession were prescription drugs, for which you had a valid prescription from a medical professional.
- Law enforcement did not have a valid warrant to search your property.
- You honestly believed that the substance found in your possession was legal.
- You were unaware of the drugs found in your possession.
- You were entrapped.
The defense for your case will depend on the particular facts and circumstances surrounding your arrest and the charges that you face. Speak with a criminal defense lawyer from our law firm today to figure out what criminal defense will work best for you.
Contact a Norman Drug Trafficking Lawyer from Cannon & Associates
At Cannon & Associates, we understand how stressful it is to be charged with the crime of drug trafficking. A serious conviction like this can result in time in prison, huge fines, and a stained criminal record. However, with the help of a good criminal defense lawyer, you could get your case thrown out, or at the very least get your charges reduced.
Free Resources from OKC Criminal Defense Attorneys:
Have you or a loved one been arrested in Oklahoma City? Are you concerned about your future following arrest in Oklahoma? Our team of Your Fierce Advocates® at Cannon & Associates is led by Army Veteran, John Cannon and we’re privileged to fight for client’s rights and freedom in Oklahoma criminal defense cases. Please review our other FREE RESOURCES until we can answer your specific Oklahoma criminal defense questions:
Have you been charged with a serious crime? Have you been arrested? Got warrants?! Worried about defending those charges or worried about how you can make them go away? Well it doesn’t have to be that way. Serious steps need to be taken to avoid charges from becoming convictions. If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need a defense lawyer right away. A lawyer can stop the police from contacting you directly. If you want to get this resolved so you can go back to living your life, CALL NOW at (405) 972-8604. We’re available 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week to schedule a Free Case Planning Session to understand your options and rights in an Oklahoma criminal case!
If you have been charged with drug trafficking in Norman, Oklahoma, whether at the state or federal level, you should contact our law firm today. We have a team of outstanding lawyers who are highly experienced in dealing with drug charge cases. Our criminal defense attorneys have helped multiple clients win their cases, ensuring that they were treated fairly by the criminal justice system.
Schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer from our firm today by calling 405-591-3935.
Drug Trafficking Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between Drug Trafficking and Drug Distribution Charges?
What Is Considered Drug Trafficking in Oklahoma
Can I Be Charged With Drug Trafficking if I Didn’t Know the Drugs Were in My Possession?
Can Drug Trafficking Charges Be Dismissed if the Evidence Was Obtained Illegally?
