Caught In The Crosshairs: Wisconsin Drug Trafficking Charges
When it comes to drug trafficking charges in Wisconsin, the state’s criminal justice system does not use a single “trafficking” statute. Instead, drug trafficking violations are part of a range of serious felony offenses related to the illegal manufacturing, distribution, delivery, or possession with intent to sell or deliver controlled substances.
Charges and the penalties are linked to:
- Type of drug: Schedule I and II substances such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines carry the harshest penalties. There is a wide range of chemical classifications under the law that dictates the felony level and maximum possible fine or jail time.
- Quantity or weight: Larger quantities of a substance increase the felony classification and accompanying charges.
- Location of arrest: Offenses committed near schools, parks, or other protected zones can result in enhanced penalties.
- Prior convictions: A record of convictions for previous drug-related offenses will increase the severity of new charges.
- Involvement of minors: Using or distributing drugs to minors also leads to harsher penalties.
Convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences, often decades for serious offenses, high fines and a permanent felony record. Allegations of drug offenses are difficult to fight on your own.
Because of the potentially severe consequences, if you or a loved one is facing drug-related charges, it is best to seek legal counsel as soon as possible to protect your rights. At Lee Law Firm, LLC, we will help you level the playing field. We will help you explore potential defenses, challenge evidence, and negotiate with prosecutors.
The Intent That Changes Everything
Drug trafficking-related violations in Wisconsin are distinguished from charges like simple possession by the element of intent and the scope of the activity. Charges for possession typically involve having a controlled substance for personal use. However, trafficking charges, including possession with intent to deliver, manufacturing, or actual distribution, involve an intent to sell, transfer, share or produce drugs.
These offenses often involve larger quantities of substances, evidence of distribution, like packaging materials or scales found in your home, and are almost always classified as serious felonies. On the other hand, simple possession is sometimes classified as a misdemeanor or a less severe felony.
In addition to the immediate penalties, a conviction for drug-related charges in Wisconsin can result in a felony drug trafficking record. This can affect your future in many ways, such as:
- Difficulties getting a decent paying job
- Loss of freedom to live where you want to live
- Revocation of your professional license
- Ineligibility for certain educational financial aid
- Loss of the civil right to own a firearm
- For non-citizens, immigration consequences, including deportation
Our Defense Lawyers Will Help You Challenge The State’s Evidence
Individuals facing drug trafficking charges in Wisconsin have several potential defenses that a skilled attorney can explore with them. Common strategies include challenging Fourth Amendment violations, such as illegal search and seizure that led to the discovery of drugs. Other defenses may include:
- Arguing a lack of intent or knowledge regarding the controlled substance
- Proving entrapment by law enforcement
- Disputing the quantity or identity of the substances
- Questioning the chain of custody of evidence
- Demonstrating you were present but not actually involved in trafficking.
Our knowledgeable drug violation defense team can help you. We have the necessary experience and resources to investigate the nature of your arrest, identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, and negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing. We aim to vigorously represent you in court to protect your best interests and future.
Start Turning The Tables Today. Call Us Now.
Call Lee Law Firm, LLC, at 414-567-5631 for a free consultation. From our office in Milwaukee, our criminal defense attorneys represent clients across southeast Wisconsin. Send an email to find out more.