BIRMINGHAM DRUG TRAFFICKING LAWYERS
What is Considered Drug Trafficking in Alabama?
Alabama law describes who may be charged with drug trafficking as follows – “Any person who knowingly sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings
into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession
of…”
Alabama drug trafficking charges are generally brought when there are large amounts of drugs are involved. According to state law, the purpose of possessing a significant quantity of drugs will be interpreted as possession for widespread distribution.
As a Class A felony, this
crime is punished more severely than the Class C felony of “possession” or Class B felony of “distribution.” Depending on the amount of drugs involved in the crime, drug trafficking
can result in penalties as harsh as a life sentence in prison or a fine
of $500,000.
If you’ve been charged with drug trafficking, you should seek legal
assistance from an experienced criminal defense attorney who specializes
in these matters. Our Birmingham drug trafficking attorneys at
Tidwell Law Group, LLC are aggressive and tough, and will not back down when it comes to fighting
for your rights in court.
Do not face drug trafficking offenses without a skilled and aggressive
attorney on your side.
Contact us today at
(205) 536-7770 to let us show you what it takes to fight your
drug charges.
Drug Trafficking Penalties
Alabama law classifies drug trafficking charges according to the type of drug and the amount in question. These charges are also associated with mandatory minimum prison terms and fines.
The following amounts will result in a mandatory minimum prison sentence of three years and a mandatory fine of $50,000:
- Cannabis: More than 2.2 pounds
- Cocaine: 28 grams but less than 500 grams
- Methamphetamine and amphetamines: 28 grams but less than 500 grams
- MDMA (also known as ecstasy): 28 grams but less than 500 grams
- Morphine, opium, heroin: 4 grams but less than 14 grams
- Phencyclidine or phenylcyclohexyl piperidine (PCP): 4 grams but less than 14 grams
- Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD): 4 grams but less than 14 grams
- Methaqualone (Quaaludes): 1,000 capsules but less than 5,000 capsules
- Hydromorphone: 500 pills but less than 1,000 pills
- Synthetic controlled substances: 56 grams but less than 500 grams
The following amounts will lead to a mandatory minimum prison term of five years:
- Cannabis: Between 100 pounds and less than 500 pounds
- Cocaine, meth and amphetamines, MDMA: Between 500 grams but less than 1 kg
- PCP: Between 14 grams and less than 28 grams
The mandatory fine for trafficking these amounts of cannabis is $50,000. The mandatory fine for these amounts of cocaine, meth and amphetamines, or MDMA is $100,000.
The following amounts will result in a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years and a mandatory fine of $100,000:
- Morphine, opium, heroin, LSD: 14 grams but less than 28 grams
- Quaaludes: 5,000 capsules but less than 25,000 capsules
- Hydromorphone: 1,000 pills but less than 4,000 pills
The following amounts will lead to a mandatory minimum prison term of 15 years:
- Cannabis: Between 500 grams and less than 1,000 pounds
- Cocaine, meth and amphetamines, MDMA: Between 1 kg and less than 10 kg
- PCP: Between 28 grams and less than 56 grams
The mandatory fine for trafficking these amounts of cannabis is $200,000. The mandatory fine for these amounts of cocaine, meth and amphetamines, or MDMA is $250,000. The mandatory fine for these amounts of PCP is $500,000.
The following amounts will lead to a mandatory minimum prison term of 25 years and a mandatory fine of $500,000:
- Morphine, opium, heroin, LSD: 28 grams but less than 56 grams
- Quaaludes: 25,000 capsules but less 100,000 capsules
- Hydromorphone: 4,000 pills but less than 10,000 pills
The following amounts will result to a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without parole:
- Cannabis: 1,000 pounds or more
- Cocaine, meth and amphetamines, MDMA: 10 kg or more
- Morphine, opium, heroin, LSD, PCP: 56 grams or more
- Quaaludes: 100,000 capsules or more
- Hydromorphone: 10,000 pills or more
Defendants facing drug trafficking charges in Alabama are automatically ineligible for drug court programs. With more than 15 years of experience, our firm has a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the criminal justice system in Alabama to help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case. Do not hesitate to let us protect your rights and freedom immediately.
Call today at (205) 536-7770 or submit our online contact form to request a free case evaluation. We can discuss the details of your case and begin preparing a defense strategy on our behalf.
