Recently there has been an uptick in people charged with trafficking fentanyl. What does it mean to be charged with fentanyl trafficking? Why are the charges so serious?
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is more powerful than morphine and heroin and has caused fatal overdoses. Because it is often mixed with other dangerous and highly addictive street drugs like heroin, people may not know they are taking fentanyl and can overdose easily.
When Can You Be Charged with Fentanyl Trafficking?
Because of the dangers of fentanyl, punishments at the state and federal level are severe. Fentanyl is a Class A drug in Massachusetts. Possession of over 10 grams of fentanyl can be charged as drug trafficking and can result in 3 and a half to 20 years in prison.
Fentanyl trafficking has been in the news lately after a Maine man pleaded guilty in Boston federal court in connection with a fentanyl trafficking operation that spanned northern New England. Douglas Morris pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of p-Fluorofentanyl, a fentanyl analogue.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of p-Fluorofentanyl provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million.
Federal Fentanyl Trafficking
Federal drug laws are especially severe. Therefore a charge of federal fentanyl trafficking should be taken extremely seriously. If you are charged with drug trafficking or federal drug trafficking you should hire an experienced drug trafficking defense attorney immediately.
Federal fentanyl trafficking is charged when the quantities involved are large and the drug is distributed beyond state lines or federal agents make arrests. Federal fentanyl trafficking starts at 40 grams, which can result in a sentence of 5 years or up to 40 yrs. If death or serious injury is involved, the sentence can be 20 years to life. Federal drug trafficking fines can be up to $5 million, for an individual or $25 million if not an individual. If the quantities are larger and the alleged operation is more sophisticated, the sentences can be more serious as in the above example.
At Dhar Law, LLP, we have decades of experience fighting serious drug crimes in state and federal court. Our strategy is to build a robust defense that holds prosecutors and law enforcement accountable and defends your rights. If you have been charged with a serious drug offense like fentanyl trafficking or federal fentanyl trafficking it’s advisable to reach out to a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At Dhar Law, LLP, our staff are immediately available to process urgent inquiries. We provide translation services in multiple languages to ensure you know your rights and can navigate the criminal justice system. If you or someone you know has been charged with a serious crime like fentanyl trafficking, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Contact our office today at 617 880-6155 to speak with our knowledgeable fentanyl trafficking lawyers in Boston.
