This is probably the most charged offense in federal court and is also quiet popular in state courts. 

What qualifies as drug trafficking?

• Cocaine trafficking
• Cannabis trafficking
• Heroin trafficking
• Meth trafficking
• Ectasy trafficking
• Steriod trafficking
• LSD trafficking
• GHB trafficking

Almost any act that contributes to a conspiracy in a federal indictment.  Many of our clients do not understand why they are being charged with a cocaine indictment when they have never even seen cocaine.  The simple answer is that someone has told the government that they have been in the presence of cocaine and assisted in its distribution at some level.  The attempted purchase of real or imitation cocaine will qualify under Federal law as a crime.  Even if one does not actually possess the narcotic, one can be charged with the attempted possession.  The quantity of the drug, whether it is cocaine, cannabis, ectasy, meth, crack or a prescription narcotic; will determine the offense level  and the possible prison exposure under a federal indictment.  In Charleston, South Carolina, there has been an increase in the amount of cocaine from Mexico in the past couple of years.  While Miami has maintained its position as the largest import city in the United States for cocaine, other cities are getting cocaine from other sources.

Almost any scheduled narcotic can qualify for a drug trafficking charge. In state courts the amount of drugs (cocaine, cannabis, extasy, crystal meth, acid, heroine, prescription medication) will determine if a possession charges becomes a trafficking charge. Even if you are only going to used the drugs for your personal consumption, the amount that you possess could bring a trafficking charge. You may also qualify for a distribution charge if it appears that a small amount of drugs was packaged for distribution. Each state is different as to the amount necessary for the trafficking charge. Under the federal statute you can be charged for the amount you have and or the amount you were trying to buy from a government agent. You may never actually possess the drugs, but you will be charged.

The key to understanding a federal drug indictment is to understand the United States Sentencing Guidelines.  The amount of drugs that are charged in the indictment are rarely the only amount used to determine how much prison time one would be exposed to at a federal sentencing.  It is import to hire an experienced federal criminal defense attorney.  Our Federal Defense attorneys in South Carolina are very capable when defending a federal indictment.

Call our office at 1-800-94TRIAL or contact us online.