Drug Distribution Charges
A conviction for selling drugs can result in prison time with mandatory minimum sentences, meaning that a 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 of the amount you possessed. If you have 28 grams of cocaine in your possession, you face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years. The greater the quantity, the longer the sentence. Prosecutors may also have the option of charging drug offenses in federal court, which could mean longer sentences if you are convicted.
If you are convicted or if you plead guilty to possession with intent to distribute or to distribution within 300 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 300 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.
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We are top rated drug crime lawyers serving Massachusetts, who will provide you with the best representation you can obtain anywhere. With offices in Boston, Salem, and Dedham, we are here to help you. Call us for a FREE phone consult.
Fighting Criminal Charges at Every Turn
In drug cases, an attorney should investigate both pretrial defenses and trial defenses. Pretrial defenses include motions to dismiss and/or motions to suppress evidence. If the police seized evidence — e.g., drugs, money, records, computers, etc. — without a search warrant, then the prosecutor has the burden of proving that the warrantless search was valid. Even if the police obtained a search warrant, there may be deficiencies in the affidavit they filed in order to obtain it. There also may be missteps in the manner in which the police executed the warrant.
Boston drug distribution defense attorney David Yannetti and his associates have successfully defended against narcotics charges at every possible stage of a case. Yannetti Law Firm attorneys have successfully persuaded law enforcement authorities not to bring narcotics charges in the first place. We have successfully filed and argued motions to suppress and dismiss. We have repeatedly won narcotics cases at trial.
Attorney Yannetti and his colleagues have also obtained new trials for clients who had been previously represented by another attorney and convicted. If you have been charged with drug distribution — or if you feel you may be investigated for these offenses — you need to retain an experienced and well-qualified attorney at the earliest possible juncture.
Call For A Free Consultation With A Massachusetts Felony Drug Offense Defense Attorney
If you are facing felony drug charges, seek legal advice immediately. Contact a lawyer online or call 617-297-9213 for a free phone consultation. With offices in Boston, Salem, and Dedham, we are here to help you.