A: There are many ways you could potentially get out of a drug trafficking charge. First, you want to get yourself an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can put together a strong defense strategy. You may want to argue that the initial search was illegal or that there is insufficient evidence to warrant drug trafficking charges. Your lawyer will do what they can to either lessen the charges or get them dismissed entirely.
Knoxville Federal Drug Trafficking Lawyer
Federal Drug Trafficking Attorney In Knoxville, TN
Facing drug crime charges of any kind can be overwhelming, but they can get even more complex and potentially devastating if the charges are federal. Drug trafficking charges are some of the toughest and most damaging drug crime charges you can face, especially when those charges come from federal prosecutors. There’s a chance you may not know exactly what to do to protect yourself at first. You should consider reaching out to a Knoxville federal drug trafficking lawyer for counsel and representation.
The legal team at Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC understands how difficult it can be to build a strong, compelling defense strategy against federal drug trafficking charges. Throughout it all, the work of an experienced Knoxville federal drug trafficking attorney cannot be understated. You will want someone who understands federal drug trafficking laws and has experience in handling federal drug trafficking cases just like yours. We can improve your case.
Why Should You Hire a Federal Drug Trafficking Lawyer?
There are many important reasons to hire a federal drug trafficking lawyer. First, you don’t want to end up defending yourself against a seasoned federal prosecutor, who may be seeking the maximum penalty. At Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC, we can provide you with a personalized, compassionate approach. One of our founders, Luke A. Evans, has considerable experience with federal cases and once worked as an assistant district attorney general in Memphis.
According to statistical data gathered by the United States Sentencing Commission, federal drug crimes are not rare in Tennessee. In 2024 alone, there were over 1,200 federal drug-related cases that were sentenced throughout the state. Over 540 drug trafficking cases, specifically, were sentenced in the state, but not at the federal level. If you are facing federal drug trafficking charges, you should immediately contact a federal criminal defense lawyer who can plan a defense.
Facing criminal charges of any kind can be a lot for one person to handle on their own. It’s okay to ask for help, especially when your future starts to look uncertain. You may want to consider reaching out to your attorney. They can also provide emotional support for everything you’re going through.
Potential Defenses Against Federal Drug Trafficking Charges
It’s important to keep in mind that an arrest is not the end of your case. In many ways, it’s only the beginning. The penalties you could face will depend largely on the drug in question, the amount of it you had in your possession, and any additional aggravating factors. When you hire a federal criminal defense lawyer, their primary goal is to put together a valid defense based on the facts of your case. Here are some potential defenses they may use for your case:
- Illegal search and seizure. Every American citizen is protected from illegal search and seizure by the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. To search your home or vehicle, law enforcement needs either a valid, enforceable search warrant or probable cause that a crime is being committed. If they don’t have that, any evidence gathered during the search could be rendered inadmissible.
- Lack of intent. To secure a criminal conviction, the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A significant element of reasonable doubt is establishing intent. Your attorney may argue that you had no idea you were engaging in illegal activity. They could also assert that you had no idea there were controlled substances in your home. If the prosecution can’t prove intent, that could lead to lesser charges.
- Entrapment. It can be very difficult to prove entrapment. However, if the evidence supports it, you can use that as a viable defense. Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers essentially coerce someone into committing a crime they might never have committed without that influence. You will have to prove that you were not predisposed to committing the crime and that law enforcement was behind the intent.
If your case goes to trial, you will be tried in federal court. In Knoxville, this will be the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. You need an attorney who has experience in federal-level cases, especially those at this court.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Federal Sentence for Drug Trafficking?
A: The federal sentence for drug trafficking varies, depending on multiple different contributing factors. Primarily, the sentence you can receive depends on the type of drug and the quantity, whether this is your first offense, and other potential aggravating factors that could be present. Federal drug trafficking charges are serious, and they can result in significant prison time and hefty fines.
Q: Is Drug Trafficking a Federal or State Crime?
A: Drug trafficking can be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels. For drug trafficking to be prosecuted at the federal level, it must:
- Cross state lines or national borders
- Involve very large quantities of controlled substances
- Take place on federally owned land
- Involve organized crime
Otherwise, the charges will likely be at the state level. Either way, you will want an experienced criminal defense lawyer to defend your case.
Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for a Federal Drug Trafficking Case?
A: Yes, you need a lawyer for a federal drug trafficking case. If you are convicted on federal drug trafficking charges, you could end up serving decades in prison, among other legal penalties. You will want to do whatever you can to defend yourself, starting with hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer to mount a strong, viable defense against these charges.
Contact Us Today
At Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC, we can figure out a defense strategy against federal drug trafficking charges. Contact us to speak to a member of our legal team today.
Knoxville, TN Federal Drug Trafficking Resources
When does possession become drug trafficking?