Drug Trafficking Attorney

Michelle’s clients include people who have been charged with armed trafficking in narcotics such as cocaine and marijuana (cannabis); manufacturing and distribution of marijuana (cannabis); and possession with intent to sell marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and other derivatives of morphine and heroin.

The aggressive defense of narcotics charges requires knowledge of all the issues surrounding a narcotics arrest, such as search and seizures; confidential informants; content and weight of substances; and the evidentiary factors that differ between simple possession, possession with intent to sell, and trafficking. Michelle has the experience with each of these issues that is necessary to pursue the most favorable outcome possible for her clients.

Armed Trafficking

When the DEA or other law enforcement agents accuse people of using firearms while trafficking in drugs, the penalties become much more serious. Both state and federal law provide for more harsh sentences for defendants accused of armed trafficking than unarmed trafficking.

It is critical in armed trafficking cases that the attorney is well-versed in the area of possession and constructive possession, and that the underlying drug charges are examined thoroughly, because not every drug charge carries a firearm enhancement for sentencing purposes.

“Mules” and Drug Charges

One of the most difficult situations in the world of drug charges is that of the drug “mule,” or the low-level person who transports drugs into a city or country from another location. Mules act at the request, or the insistence, of the drug dealers, and the mules are often the ones who are caught with narcotics on their persons while entering an airport from an inbound flight. Since trafficking charges also carry minimum mandatory sentences for certain quantities of drugs, mules often face the difficult choice of going to trial, even though the drugs were found (or in) their bodies, or accepting a plea to years in prison.

Michelle has dealt with even the most difficult mule cases, and understands that the defense of these clients requires special attention not only to the actual charges, but also to the circumstances in their home countries, and that their immigration or citizenship status is often a primary concern to the client.