Drug trafficking is often regarded as the worst of drug crimes by law enforcement in Oklahoma. This is due to the fact that police see drug traffickers as the lynchpin in drug smuggling and trafficking operations. Arresting end-users accomplishes next to nothing, catching manufacturers and drug cartel leaders may be impossible, but convicting a drug trafficker is both effective and relatively simple – at least according to their theories.
In order to try to eliminate the connection between the top of drug syndicates and users on the streets of Oklahoma, harsh penalties have been tied to any drug trafficking conviction. For the alleged actions that lead to drug trafficking charges, the punishments are arguably excessive.
Someone who is convicted of drug trafficking in Oklahoma could be penalized with:
- Up to 10 years imprisonment
- Mandatory 4-year minimum sentence
- $10,000 to $500,000 fine
- Life without parole (multiple convictions)
The penalties will escalate depending on the substance in question and how much there was allegedly found that could be seen as part of a drug trafficking effort. The location of the arrest can also play a role in the charges and penalties. It is well-known by criminal defense attorneys in Oklahoma City that the I-35 and I-40 are seen as “drug cartel routes” by criminal investigators and police forces; there have even been numerous reports of law enforcement stopping people traveling on those highways without reason, seizing any cash they had been traveling with, and sending them on their way.
If the following substances are found in these amounts or greater, Oklahoma assumes drug trafficking is happening:
- Marijuana: 25.0 pounds
- Methamphetamines: 0.04 pounds
- Cocaine or PCP: 0.06 pounds
- Heroin: 0.02 pounds
- Crack cocaine: 0.01 pounds
- LSD: 50 “doses” (case-by-case basis)
Accused of Drug Trafficking? Take Action!
The worst thing you can do after being accused of drug trafficking is doing nothing to defend yourself. You need to be able to stand up on your feet and do so quickly. At the Law Offices of Keith J. Nedwick, P.C., you can find the legal support and confidence you need to challenge the criminal justice system of Oklahoma. Our Norman criminal defense attorneys are capable of taking on the most complicated of cases and have even successfully expunged the criminal records of hundreds of clients.
Contact us today, schedule a free case analysis, and get started on your defense.