Lincoln Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Lincoln Drug Trafficking Attorney

Drug trafficking is one of the more serious drug-related offenses someone can face in Nebraska. The penalties are wide-ranging, including lengthy prison sentences, large fines, and a permanent mark on the alleged offender’s criminal record. Because there are so many legal complexities to explore in a drug trafficking charge, you need a skilled attorney on your team to dissect the charges. A Lincoln drug trafficking lawyer can help do this while protecting your rights.

At Sopinski Law Office, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive legal defense for anyone who is facing drug trafficking charges in Lincoln. Our team of Lincoln drug crime lawyers understand the high stakes involved in these cases, which fuels us to work hard and examine every detail to your benefit.

We believe in protecting our client’s constitutional rights by challenging any clear violations. Choose us as your advocates to safeguard your future from drug-related charges.

Common Drug Trafficking Defense Positions

When the time comes to defend your interests in court, you want to make sure you are moving forward with the most advantageous defense position possible. To feel confident in your defense, you want to hash out all the possibilities with your Lincoln criminal defense lawyer during the initial consultation.

Some of the more common defense positions that might work in your case include:

Challenging the Prosecution’s Evidence

One of the most common defense strategies in drug trafficking cases is to challenge the evidence being presented against the defendant. The state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knew they were in possession of an illegal substance. If a defense attorney can cast doubt on how strong the link is between the illegal substance and their client, this can call into question the legitimacy of the prosecution’s case.

Arguing Lack of Intent

The prosecution must prove the defendant intended to distribute or sell drugs. Drug possession alone does not typically imply that someone was engaging in drug trafficking, so there must be more evidence presented to escalate the charge. To fight against this, a defense lawyer can argue that the drugs were intended for personal use or that their client was unaware of their presence. This can help combat allegations of intent and prevent charges from escalating.

Questioning the Legality of the Search and Seizure

Law enforcement is required to follow strict procedures when it comes to conducting a search of someone’s personal property. If a defense lawyer can prove that an officer did not obtain a search warrant before entering someone’s home, this alone could be enough to dismiss any evidence the officer collected. If the drugs were confiscated during the search, they could be dismissed as evidence, which would jeopardize the prosecution’s entire case.

Highlighting Procedural Errors

Drug trafficking charges involve different legal and procedural requirements when collecting and documenting evidence. If there is any evidence to suggest an officer deviated from these procedures, it can be used to challenge the validity of the case. For example, if law enforcement failed to transport the drugs properly, a defense lawyer could suggest the integrity of the evidence may be compromised and should not be admissible.

Presenting Alternative Explanations

A skilled attorney might choose to present alternative explanations as to why their client was arrested and charged. For example, they might explain how their client was in the wrong place at the wrong time or had been mistaken for another individual who was conducting the drug trafficking operation. To do this, an attorney will need to gather specific evidence, such as surveillance footage and alibis, to counter the prosecution’s claims.

Lincoln Drug Trafficking FAQs

Q: What Are the Drug Trafficking Laws in Lincoln, NE?

A: It is illegal to manufacture, distribute, or transport any controlled substance in Lincoln. These activities define drug trafficking. The penalties someone could face if charged with this crime will depend on what type of drugs they were in possession of and the quantity of the drugs. Nebraska law allows for asset forfeiture, which means that any vehicles or money that was tied to the drug trafficking activities can be seized.

Q: How Long Do You Go to Jail for Drug Trafficking in Lincoln, NE?

A: The length of someone’s prison sentence for drug trafficking will depend on the type of drugs involved, how many people were affected, and whether it’s the individual’s first offense or a subsequent offense. Drug trafficking is a felony in Nebraska and can carry significant sentences that range from one year to life in prison, depending on the specifics of the case. Not all trafficking verdicts will result in prison, particularly for first-time offenders.

Q: How Is Drug Trafficking Determined?

A: Law enforcement will collect and present evidence such as packaging materials, scales, large sums of cash, and communication records to suggest that a defendant was engaging in drug trafficking by definition. Additional factors can also support their narrative, such as being caught while transporting drugs across state lines or during a controlled buy. A defense attorney can evaluate the specifics and challenge any evidence they can.

Q: Is Drug Trafficking a Federal or State Offense?

A: Drug trafficking can be charged as either a state or federal offense based on the circumstances of the case. If the offense took place within state borders, it may be charged on the state level. A case can be escalated to the federal level if there are large quantities of drugs found during an interstate or international act of transportation.

Regardless of whether your case is prosecuted at the state or federal level, a defense lawyer can still work on building a defense strategy to combat the allegations.

Contact Sopinski Law Office Today

If you have been accused of engaging in drug trafficking, it’s important to recognize that you are not alone. Contact us today at the Sopinski Law Office to begin the process of defending your rights.

We understand drug charges and drug trafficking laws and can learn more about your case to provide our professional advice on what steps to take next. We look forward to hearing from you.