What Does “Trafficking” Entail

Drug trafficking is a serious offense that has been getting a lot of attention lately. Within Nebraska and the United States, drug laws are becoming stricter and harsher. Drug trafficking, in particular, is a term that has become broader than ever before. Even so, knowing the terms used within drug trafficking is a good start to fighting those charges.

Drug trafficking and distribution laws have been in place for years. They make it illegal to sell, transport, export, or import illegal controlled substances, whether they are prescription drugs or street drugs. Getting charged with drug trafficking is a felony. It is a more serious crime than possession because it usually involves a larger amount of drugs. Still, people sometimes get charged with drug trafficking if they simply have a large number of drugs for personal use. Even so, it only takes one pill or joint to count as drug trafficking if you are giving the drugs to someone else. If convicted of drug trafficking, the sentence can be anywhere from 3 years to life in prison.

Drug Trafficking and Paraphernalia

In the most general sense, drug paraphernalia is used to describe any equipment that is used to prepare, inject, conceal, or manufacture drugs. It is against the law for anyone to sell, import, and export any type of paraphernalia. Having any of this in your possession could be enough to be charged with drug trafficking.

While these items are usually overlooked in large amounts if drugs are found, if the drugs aren’t found, these items can be enough.

Drug paraphernalia includes (but isn’t limited to) bongs, rolling papers, baggies, syringes, and pipes. Often times, people believe that if these items are labeled for other uses, they are not illegal, but this is not the case.

Drug Possession and Drug Trafficking

While laws tend to vary from state to state on the amount of drugs that need to be on a person to be considered trafficking, in general, any amount of drugs is considered illegal. A person who is in possession of any illegal drugs can be charged with simple possession or possession with intent to distribute or traffic. Larger quantities are typically indicative of someone who is going to distribute or traffic those drugs.

Drug Trafficking and Manufacturing/Delivery

One charge that tends to go hand-in-hand with drug trafficking is drug manufacturing. This involves any step of the production process in making illegal drugs. Most people do not know that it also includes the delivery of drugs as well. Usually, prosecutors have the burden of proving intent to manufacture drugs and possession in order to actually get a conviction. Unfortunately, it is usually the trafficker that gets caught and not the manufacturer.

It's important to note that in all of the mentioned categories, however, marijuana cultivation, trafficking, or growing is treated differently in certain states because of changing laws.

Drug Trafficking and Drug Dealing

Drug dealing, in general, refers to the sale of illegal drugs that is smaller than trafficking. It is important to remember that what is considered trafficking in one state could be dealing in another state. Drug dealing consists of one person selling a small amount of drugs and trafficking is usually much larger amounts. Drug dealing is still a significant charge, but it isn’t as harsh as drug trafficking. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) defines where the line is between the two and the sentencing for the charges.

Contact A Nebraska Drug Lawyer As Soon As Possible

No matter what, a drug possession charge can have far-reaching impacts on your job, housing, child custody, and general reputation in a community. It can be much more difficult to get a keep a job if you have any kind of drug charge in your history.

If you or someone that you love is facing the possibility of a drug charge in Nebraska, it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced Nebraska drug lawyer immediately. With over 20 years of experience in criminal justice across almost every county in Nebraska, Dan Stockmann can help you navigate your legal situation and protect your future.

Get a Free Case Evaluation now or contact us at 402•884•1031.