Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney Raleigh North Carolina
Being charged with drug trafficking is a serious matter that carries severe legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and lasting impacts on your personal and professional life. At Ryan Willis Law, we provide strategic defense for individuals facing drug trafficking charges in Raleigh, North Carolina, and surrounding areas. With extensive experience in both state and federal courts, our firm is dedicated to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
Understanding Drug Trafficking Charges
Drug trafficking involves the manufacture, distribution, transportation, or sale of illegal drugs, often in large quantities. Unlike simple possession charges, trafficking offenses are considered more severe due to the intent to distribute and the scale of the operation. These charges may apply to controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and prescription drugs.
While drug trafficking charges are the most serious drug related felonies in North Carolina, drug offenses can include other felonies like possession with intent to sell or deliver, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for keeping or selling drugs, and felony possession of drugs. At Ryan Willis law, we have years of experience handling all types of felony drug charges in North Carolina state courts.
In North Carolina, drug trafficking charges are determined based on the type and amount of the controlled substance involved. Penalties can include mandatory minimum prison sentences, heavy fines, and asset forfeiture. When drug trafficking charges involve interstate activities, large-scale operations, or federal agencies like the DEA, they may be prosecuted in federal court, where penalties can be even harsher.
Often, drug trafficking charges in North Carolina state courts get adopted for federal prosecution. Ryan Willis practices in both state and federal courts. He knows federal prosecutors in each federal district and can get in front of them when the decision is being made on whether a case will be adopted federally. Ryan advocates on behalf of his clients for drug trafficking cases to remain in state court. But if those cases do get adopted for federal prosecution, Ryan has extensive experience with federal drug offenses. He has tried federal drug cases. And he has negotiated favorable outcomes for numerous clients charged with drug crimes in federal courts in North Carolina, as well as the Northern District of Florida and the District of Delaware.
Defending Against Drug Trafficking Charges
Drug trafficking cases often involve complex evidence, including surveillance, wiretaps, confidential informants, and extensive documentation. At Ryan Willis Law, we conduct a thorough investigation into every aspect of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Our defense strategies may include:
- Challenging Search and Seizure: Examining whether law enforcement followed legal protocols when gathering evidence. Illegal searches and violations of your Fourth Amendment rights could lead to the exclusion of critical evidence.
- Disputing Intent to Distribute: Arguing against the prosecution’s claim that the drugs were intended for distribution, which could potentially reduce the charges to a lesser offense.
- Questioning Evidence and Witness Credibility: Analyzing the reliability of evidence and scrutinizing the credibility of witnesses, including confidential informants.
- Exploring Plea Agreements: When appropriate, negotiating with prosecutors to reduce charges or seek alternative sentencing options that minimize the impact on your life.
Protecting Your Rights and Your Future
A conviction for drug trafficking can have life-changing consequences. At Ryan Willis Law, we are committed to providing personalized attention and strategic defense to help you avoid the harshest penalties. Our firm offers high-quality legal representation without the high costs associated with larger firms, ensuring you receive expert defense at competitive rates.
If you are facing drug trafficking charges in North Carolina, contact Ryan Willis Law today to schedule a consultation. We are ready to fight for your rights and guide you through this difficult time with skill, experience, and dedication.
