Drug Trafficking Roles

Mr. Dudley has successfully represented several individuals accused of performing a variety of drug trafficking roles, including the supervision of international narcotic distribution, the manufacture of several kinds of drugs, the transportation of large quantities of drugs and the street-level distribution of a wide range of controlled substances.

Manufacture and Distribution of Illegal Drugs

Manufacturing of drugs can refer to the cultivation of illegal substances such as marijuana and cannabis seeds. It also can mean the making of products from chemical substances or in a laboratory. Illegal substances created in this way include LSD, cocaine and methamphetamine. Someone involved in any of the steps of these processes can be prosecuted.

Distributing Illegal Drugs

Those who traffic in and distribute drugs play a different role from the manufacturer who makes the drug from its initial state, whether a grown crop or a laboratory substance. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), distribution means that someone is selling, supplying or delivering a controlled substance. These types of charges are often filed against someone who is caught trying to sell drugs to an undercover officer or a confidential informant.

The laws may vary from state to state, but are essentially similar. The following information is from the District Attorney’s office in Mobile County, Alabama and is an example of how the law may be applied.

Distributing illegal drugs, including marijuana, is a Class B felony. The maximum prison sentence can be from two to 20 years and the maximum fine is $10,000. Someone who is convicted of selling a controlled substance on a school or university campus or within three miles of them must serve an extra five years in prison without the possibility of probation.

If someone over the age of 18 distributes an illegal drug to someone younger than 18, the crime is a Class A felony and there is no possibility of a suspended sentence or probation.

Trafficking in Illegal Drugs

Drug trafficking is distinguished from drug distribution mainly by the amount of the drug sold or passed from one person to another and the punishment meted out. Trafficking means selling a larger quantity of illegal substances (measured by weight) rather than selling them across state lines (as is commonly thought) or giving them to someone else. Even possession of a larger amount of a controlled sentence can be considered trafficking.

Trafficking is charged as a Class A felony. The sentences for a Class A felony for trafficking in illegal drugs differ from other Class A felonies. The sentence depends upon the particular substance involved and how much it weighs. A sentence for drug trafficking can range from three years in prison and a $25,000 fine to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Contact an Experienced Drug Trafficking Lawyer

If you have been charged with possession, distribution, trafficking or supervision of international drug distribution, you should retain the services of Mr. Dudley. He is a drug trafficking defense attorney that has invaluable experience in defending clients of all these charges in both federal and state courts.

Mr. Dudley has defended against serious drug prosecutions across the country, involving large quantities of cocaine, marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine, PCP, LSC and ecstasy. Mr. Dudley’s law practice has seen him representing individuals facing major criminal allegations in 36 different states, and he’s handled matters in both the trial and appellate courts, state and federal. He is admitted to the United States Supreme Court and seven federal circuit courts of appeal. He has also been admitted to practice in 44 federal district courts and 48 different state and county jurisdictions nationwide.

To speak with him about your circumstances, call 1-800-941-5986.