Drug Trafficking

The Criminal Defense Team of Hatch, Little & Bunn handles all North Carolina drug related charges.

Proper defense of State drug trafficking charges requires a quick response and an adept understanding of the facts. If convicted of drug trafficking, a defendant faces a mandatory minimum of 25 months in prison. For as little as 28 prescription pills, that mandatory sentence can quickly rise to 225 months.

Were the drugs lawfully seized? What was the weight and quantity? Was the substance marijuana, opiates, heroin, cocaine, MDMA, LSD or methamphetamine? Or, was it some counterfeit substance? Similar to most drug charges, issues of search and seizure are often instrumental to a trafficking defense. A close review of all evidence is necessary to evaluate to lawfulness of a search. The Criminal Defense Team of Hatch, Little & Bunn is ready and available to defend you. We know the right questions to ask, the right steps to take and we’re ready to act. These charges are manageable if handled with precision and competency.

There are five types of trafficking; Trafficking by Sale, Trafficking by Manufacture, and Trafficking by Delivery, Trafficking by Transport, and Trafficking by Possession. A defendant may be convicted of multiple counts of trafficking for one event, if the event involves multiple trafficking actions. If convicted of conspiracy to traffick, a defendant faces the same punishment as the principle defendant.

Trafficking involves a specific sentencing schedule based upon the specific controlled substance. The controlled substances which are currently subject to state trafficking laws include the following; marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, methaqualone, cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, MDPV, mephedrone, opium, heroin, Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), MDA or MDMA. Note that under some circumstances, varying compounds, derivatives, or similar preparations may be sentenced under State trafficking guidelines.

To amount to trafficking, the weight or dosage unit must reach a specific threshold. Some of those thresholds, and their corresponding exposure, are listed below. Mandatory fines also apply upon conviction for trafficking.

Trafficking Marijuana

In excess of 10 pounds, but less than 50 pounds – 25 to 39 months in prison.
50 to 1,999 pounds – 35 to 51 months in prison.
2,000 to 9,999 pounds – 70 to 93 months in prison.
10,000 pounds or more – 175 to 222 months in prison.

Trafficking Cocaine

28 grams up to 200 grams – 35 to 51 months in prison.
200 grams up to 400 grams – 70 to 93 months in prison.
400 grams or more – 175 to 222 months in prison.

Trafficking Methamphetamine

28 grams up to 200 grams – 70-93 months in prison.
200 grams up to 400 grams – 90-120 months in prison.
400 grams or more – 225-282 months in prison.

Trafficking Heroin or Opium

4 grams up to 14 grams – 70 to 84 months in prison.
14 grams up to 28 grams – 90 to 117 months in prison.
28 grams or more – 225 to 279 months in prison.

Trafficking LSD

100 up to 500 dosage units – 35 to 42 months in prison.
500 up to 1,000 dosage units – 70 to 84 months in prison.
1,000 dosage units or more – 175 to 219 months in prison.

Trafficking MDMA

100 up to 500 dosage units – 35 to 42 months in prison.
500 up to 1,000 dosage units – 70 to 84 months in prison.
1,000 dosage units or more – 175 to 219 months in prison.

There are many courses of action to pursue in a trafficking defense. Note that time is of the essence in building such a defense. Contact our team today for a free consultation.

Contact experienced Raleigh drug crime defense lawyers for a free initial consultation

The Criminal Defense Team of Hatch, Little & Bunn. LLP represents defendants throughout North Carolina in prosecutions arising from alleged drug possession, sale or manufacture. Please call 919-714-4306 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation at our Raleigh office.