Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Taylorsville

Your Ally in Drug Trafficking Cases & Protection of Your Rights

Facing drug trafficking charges is serious and having the right defense is crucial. At Melton Law, we are dedicated to providing strong legal representation for those facing drug charges in Taylorsville and the surrounding areas. Our goal is to defend your rights and work towards a favorable outcome.

Understanding the gravity of drug trafficking charges can be overwhelming. The legal system is complex, and each case requires a tailored approach. Our firm focuses not only on immediate defense strategies but also on long-term implications, such as how a conviction could impact your future. 

We prioritize understanding your unique circumstances so that we can present the most effective defense possible.

Don't risk prison time. We offer free consultations, bilingual services, and affordable legal services. Contact a drug trafficking lawyer in Taylorsville to protect your freedom. Call (801) 781-5803 or reach out online.

Understanding Drug Trafficking Laws in Utah

In Utah, the crime of drug trafficking is defined under the Utah Code, Title 58, Chapter 37, Section 8. This statute outlines a variety of unlawful acts involving controlled substances. 

The law is broad and makes it illegal to knowingly and intentionally:

• Produce, manufacture, or dispense a controlled substance.
• Possess with intent to produce, manufacture, or dispense a controlled substance.
• Distribute a controlled substance, or to agree, consent, offer, or arrange to distribute one.

The severity of a drug trafficking charge depends on the type and quantity of the drug involved, which Utah classifies into six schedules based on their potential for abuse. A knowledgeable drug trafficking lawyer in Taylorsville will meticulously analyze the specific statute and schedule under which you are charged to find any weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

To secure a conviction for a drug trafficking offense, the prosecution must prove several key elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

• Knowledge: The state must prove that you knowingly produced, possessed with intent to distribute, or distributed a controlled substance. This means they must demonstrate you were aware of the substance's existence and its illicit nature.
• Controlled Substance: The substance in question must be identified as a controlled substance under Utah law.
• Intent or Action: The state must prove you either acted to distribute the substance or had the specific intent to do so. This is a critical distinction from a simple possession charge. Evidence such as the quantity of the drug, the presence of drug paraphernalia (scales, baggies), or other circumstantial evidence is often used to prove intent.

The prosecution's case often relies on the testimony of law enforcement, confidential informants, and forensic experts. As a seasoned Taylorsville drug trafficking lawyer, we will challenge the government's evidence at every turn, scrutinizing the methods used to collect and analyze the evidence and questioning the credibility of their witnesses.

Classifications and Degrees of Drug Trafficking Offenses

Utah law categorizes drug trafficking offenses as felonies, with the classification and penalties dependent on the type and quantity of the drug involved. The penalties escalate with the amount of the controlled substance. 

A conviction for a drug trafficking offense can also be enhanced if the crime was committed in a drug-free zone, such as near a school, or if it involved a minor.

• Third-Degree Felony: For a substance in Schedule III or IV, or for marijuana, a conviction is a third-degree felony, punishable by a prison term of up to five years. A second conviction can be elevated to a second-degree felony.
• Second-Degree Felony: For a substance in Schedule I or II, such as cocaine or heroin, a conviction is a second-degree felony, punishable by a prison term of at least one year and up to 15 years.
• First-Degree Felony: For the largest quantities of drugs, or if certain aggravating factors are present (e.g., the use of a firearm or a "booby trap"), a conviction can be a first-degree felony, punishable by a prison sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison.
• Class A Misdemeanor: For a substance in Schedule V, a conviction is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a jail term of up to 364 days. A second conviction can be elevated to a third-degree felony.

A skilled drug trafficking lawyer in Taylorsville will work to prevent any enhancement of your charges and will fight for a resolution that minimizes the impact on your life.