An Oklahoma drug trafficking defense attorney offers legal representation for individuals facing chargers of drug trafficking and aggravated drug trafficking of controlled substances. Phillips & Associates offers expertise in these high-stakes cases, including extensive experience defending clients against some of the most serious drug charges under Oklahoma law. Drug trafficking prosecutions often involve allegations tied to weight thresholds, interstate transport, conspiracy networks, or enhancements such as prior felony convictions, firearms possession, or proximity to schools or childcare facilities.

Convictions for drug trafficking or aggravated trafficking have some of the harshest penalties in the state, including mandatory minimum prison sentences, substantial fines, and limited options for probation or parole. For example, under Oklahoma’s Trafficking in Illegal Drugs Act (63 O.S. § 2-415), punishments can escalate significantly when the quantities of a controlled substance exceed statutory thresholds, including up to life imprisonment without the possibility of early release.

Drug trafficking charges are a serious legal matter, and your case may be tried in state court for trafficking within Oklahoma, or it may be tried as a federal offense if you are accused of trafficking across state lines. Drug trafficking cases may be extremely complex, and they are often prosecuted with evidence obtained from investigation by law enforcement officers, highly-specialized agencies such as the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations (OSBI), the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drug Control (OBNDD), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), or the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The penalties for drug trafficking are severe, with minimum penalties at least twice those associated with distribution. When it comes to determination of what constitutes drug distribution and what constitutes trafficking, the distinction often boils down to the quantity of drug in question.

Trafficking defense is best handled by a criminal defense attorney with extensive experience handling complicated drug cases in state and federal court. The drug crime defense attorneys at Phillips & Associates continually demonstrate effective defense strategies through a proven record of successful drug crime defense, including dismissals and acquittals for many of our clients accused of trafficking in Oklahoma.

A conviction on charges of drug trafficking carries serious consequences including large fines and extended prison sentences.  If you or someone you know are facing charges you need to speak with an experienced Oklahoma drug trafficking defense attorney immediately.  Don't talk to the police.  Give us a call today for a free case evaluation.

What Drug Trafficking Defense Services Do We Provide?

At Phillips & Associates, our Oklahoma City criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience challenging every aspect of drug-related charges. When a case centers on an unlawful traffic stop or a questionable search, our team carefully reviews details including police reports and bodycam footage to K-9 certification records. We fight to ensure your Fourth Amendment rights are fully protected. If no constitutional violations exist, we work to minimize the charges and potential penalties.

Our firm has successfully negotiated to have trafficking cases reduced to possession with intent, which eliminates the 50% and 85% sentencing requirements that accompany trafficking convictions. We have also achieved favorable outcomes by suspending or reducing excessive fines often tied to these offenses. When negotiation isn’t possible, our attorneys are fully prepared to take your case to preliminary hearing or jury trial, presenting an aggressive and well-prepared defense.

If you or someone close to you is accused of drug trafficking or aggravated trafficking in Oklahoma, acting quickly is critical. You need a defense lawyer with experience and commitment on your side. Contact Phillips & Associates today at 405-418-8888 for a free, confidential consultation. We’re ready to fight for your freedom and protect your future.

What Are Our Drug Trafficking Defense Strategies?

Our attorneys employ a range of legal strategies designed to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, suppress unlawfully obtained materials, and negotiate reduced or dismissed charges. Our drug trafficking defense strategies are listed below.

• Contesting illegal searches and seizures
• Examining law enforcement’s chain of custody
• Disputing drug weight and intent to distribute
• Presenting alternative explanations for possession
• Investigating law enforcement misconduct or procedural errors

Challenging Unlawful Searches and Seizures

The Fourth Amendment prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures, and violations of this right can be grounds for evidence suppression. Our defense lawyers review whether officers exceeded their authority during the stop, detention, or arrest. If evidence was gathered without a proper warrant or probable cause, we file motions to suppress, which can severely weaken or even collapse the prosecution’s case.

Examining the Chain of Custody

Every piece of evidence must be accounted for from the time it’s seized until it’s presented in court. Our attorneys review the chain of custody records for gaps, inconsistencies, or possible tampering. Any mishandling of evidence can call its authenticity into question, potentially rendering it inadmissible at trial.

Disputing the Weight and Intent of the Drugs

Accurate drug weight and proof of intent are essential for a trafficking conviction. Our attorneys scrutinize laboratory results and weighing methods to identify inaccuracies or contamination. Even a small difference in weight can reduce a charge from trafficking to possession. We also challenge the prosecution’s claims about intent to distribute, emphasizing the lack of direct evidence such as packaging materials, scales, or large sums of cash.

Presenting Alternative Explanations

Sometimes, the strongest defense is an alternative narrative that raises reasonable doubt. We may argue that the defendant was unaware of the drugs, was forced or coerced into transporting them, or that the substances belonged to someone else. Offering a credible alternative story helps undermine the prosecution’s version of events before a judge or jury.

Scrutinizing Law Enforcement Practices

Our attorneys evaluate every action taken by law enforcement during the investigation and arrest. If officers engaged in racial profiling, unreliable informant use, or procedural shortcuts, we expose those issues in court to weaken the state’s case. Demonstrating a pattern of misconduct or questionable investigative tactics can be instrumental in securing a dismissal or favorable plea deal.

Understanding Oklahoma Drug Trafficking Laws

Oklahoma’s Trafficking in Illegal Drugs Act sets strict thresholds for the amounts of controlled dangerous substances (CDS) that trigger trafficking charges. The law imposes lengthy mandatory prison sentences and substantial fines on those convicted, and penalties increase further for aggravated trafficking involving larger quantities or aggravating factors such as proximity to schools or the presence of minors. Because of the seriousness of these charges, anyone accused should contact an experienced Oklahoma drug trafficking defense attorney immediately.

What Is the Punishment for a Conviction on Charges of Drug Trafficking in Oklahoma?

The penalties for drug trafficking in Oklahoma are severe and include the possibility of life in prison without parole. The state’s drug trafficking statute is the Trafficking in Illegal Drugs Act, and this statute is often triggered by the intent to distribute, as well as the quantity of drug allegedly possessed by the defendant. The thresholds that lead to trafficking charges are listed below.

• Amphetamine – 20 grams
• Cocaine – 28 grams
• Crack – 5 grams
• Heroin – 10 grams
• LSD – 50 doses
• Marijuana – 25 pounds
• Methamphetamine – 20 grams
• PCP – 1 ounce

Although most people would consider trafficking to involve copious amounts of drugs, a person can be charged with drug trafficking for possessing an amount of crack cocaine that weighs the equivalent of a United States nickel, or for possessing the equivalent weight of a U.S. quarter in PCP. Regardless of whether or not a defendant was actually trafficking in drugs, the possession of a particular quantity of drug will allow a person to be charged with this serious offense under the state’s Trafficking in Illegal Drugs Act.

If you have been accused of trafficking in Oklahoma, it is imperative that you speak with a defense attorney as soon as possible. With experience, skill, and effective resources, a drug trafficking lawyer may be able to have your case dismissed or your charges amended, helping you to avoid the drastic consequences of a trafficking conviction.

What Other Drug Crimes Do We Defend?

At the Phillips & Associates, we represent clients facing a broad spectrum of drug-related charges. We offer drug crime defense for all of the following charges.

• Simple possession
• Possession with intent to distribute
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Prescription medication offenses

Our defense team has successfully defended clients throughout Oklahoma by exposing weaknesses in the state’s case, challenging unconstitutional evidence, and fighting for the best possible outcome in every situation.

At Phillips & Associates, our experienced Oklahoma City defense attorneys explore every option to uncover the optimal solutions for your defense. Whether negotiating reduced charges or aggressively working to have evidence suppressed, we strive for the best outcome for each and every client accused of drug crimes in the state. To schedule your free consultation with a well-qualified criminal defense attorney, call (405) 418-8888 or submit our confidential case review form.

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