Boston Drug Charges Lawyer

There are many degrees of seriousness for narcotics offenses. Straight possession of a small amount of marijuana can usually be resolved without a trial or a conviction in Massachusetts. However, possession of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and prescription drug fraud are prosecuted more aggressively and can result in prison time, a court record, and loss of your driver's license. A conviction for selling drugs can result in prison time with mandatory minimum sentences. Mandatory minimum sentences mean that the judge has no discretion to impose a lighter sentence or provide probation. Penalties are heightened if you are charged with distribution or possession with the intent to distribute within a school zone.

Distribution of larger quantities of narcotics can lead to an indictment for trafficking. For example, if you have 14 grams of cocaine in your possession, you will be charged with drug trafficking and face a mandatory minimum sentence of three years, even if you only distributed half a gram or less. If you have 28 grams of cocaine in your possession, you face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years. The greater the quantity of drugs you have in your possession, the longer the sentence. Prosecutors may also have the option of charging drug offenses in federal court, which could keep you in prison even longer.

If you are convicted or if you plead guilty to possession with intent to distribute or actual distribution within 1,000 feet of a school or park, a mandatory minimum sentence of two years will be added to the sentence. You do not have to be caught dealing to school children to receive the additional two years. If you are charged with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school or park, you need an attorney who is persuasive enough to convince the prosecutor to drop that portion of the case, or who can persuade a judge or jury that the charge simply does not apply.

In drug cases, there are pretrial defenses and trial defenses. Pretrial defenses include motions to dismiss or suppress drug evidence. These motions can lead to a dismissal of charges if the police or prosecutors have made missteps in their search and seizure of drug evidence.  An experienced attorney can also raise effective defenses for you at trial.

I have successfully defended against narcotics charges at every stage.  I have successfully negotiated with police and prosecutors prior to an indictment or trial.  I have successfully filed and argued motions to suppress and dismiss.   I have won narcotics cases at trial.  I have obtained new trials for clients who were represented by another attorney and were convicted.  If you have been charged with possession or distribution of narcotics -- or if you feel you may be investigated for these offenses -- you need to retain an experienced and well-qualified attorney as soon as possible.  Contact me to discuss your options.

Free Initial Consultation: Contact Boston drug charges lawyer David Yannetti.