Drug trafficking lawyer - professional defense in a criminal case

Drug trafficking lawyer - professional defense in a criminal case

All drug-related offences are serious and require the assistance of a specialist such as a lawyer. Drug trafficking is no exception, as it is classified as a particularly serious crime, for which severe punishment is provided. Without professional legal support, it is difficult to prove your innocence or at least mitigate your responsibility, so a lawyer helps to achieve the most successful outcome.

What is drug trafficking — how is it classified under the Criminal Code?

Drug trafficking refers to the sale or transfer of narcotic substances for a fee or free of charge. This is one of the most dangerous forms of trafficking, as it directly contributes to the spread of drugs.
Therefore, the law provides for particularly severe punishment for drug trafficking. Criminal liability in such cases is determined by Article 307 of the Criminal Code and provides for imprisonment for a term of four to twelve years with confiscation of property, depending on the circumstances of the case. That is why in such cases it is necessary to hire a lawyer as soon as possible to help gather mitigating circumstances.

What is the criminal liability for drug trafficking?

Ukrainian law provides for severe penalties for any actions related to prohibited substances. One of the most serious is drug trafficking. Liability for such actions is established by Article 307 of the Criminal Code and provides for:

• Imprisonment for a term of four to eight years for a single offence without aggravating circumstances.
• 
  Imprisonment for a term of six to ten years with confiscation of property in the case of repeated distribution or commission of the offence by a group of persons.
• 
  Imprisonment for a term of nine to twelve years with confiscation of property for particularly large quantities or other aggravating circumstances.

In order to avoid maximum terms or find mitigating circumstances that can help avoid punishment, it is important to hire a lawyer as early as possible.
 

Main penalties under Article 307 of the Criminal Code

The penalties for this crime are quite severe: for a single sale of narcotic substances, a person may face 4 to 8 years of imprisonment. If the crime was committed repeatedly, by a group of persons or in significant amounts, the term is increased to 6-10 years with confiscation of property. The most serious punishment, up to twelve years with confiscation of property, is applied when it comes to particularly large amounts of substances or organised group activity.
 

How can a lawyer help in a drug trafficking case?

Charges of trafficking or even preparation for trafficking are among the most difficult categories of cases, as drug trafficking carries severe penalties. In such situations, it is especially important to engage a highly qualified lawyer who can minimise the legal consequences by:

1. Conducting a thorough analysis of the case materials, search and arrest reports, verifying the legality of law enforcement actions, and gathering evidence in favour of the suspect.
2. 
   Formulating an individual defence strategy that can change the classification of the case or provide grounds for terminating criminal proceedings.
3. 
   Protecting the client's rights and interests during searches, interrogations, and examinations.

Drug trafficking cases require professional and immediate defence, because even at the initial stage, attempting to resolve the situation on your own can lead to mistakes that will complicate the further course of the case.

Stages of our work in drug trafficking cases

In drug trafficking cases, our lawyers act consistently and deliberately, which increases the chances of a successful outcome. The first stage is a consultation, during which the details of the arrest, documents and evidence are examined to identify possible violations by the police. This is followed by the development of a defence strategy with the collection of evidence in favour of the client, as well as the formation of requests for independent expert examinations. At the pre-trial investigation stage, we monitor every action taken by state authorities and, if necessary, file motions or appeals. During the trial, we actively defend the client's position, challenge unlawful evidence and seek to mitigate or avoid liability.

Initial consultation and case analysis

At this stage, the lawyer carefully reviews the details and materials of the case and studies the circumstances of the arrest. This analysis allows us to assess the prospects, identify possible violations on the part of the investigation and prepare an effective defence strategy that takes into account all the nuances of the situation.

Pre-trial investigation: how to avoid mistakes

Giving testimony with a lawyer is the most important rule, because even minor inaccuracies can be used against you.

It is important to carefully monitor the observance of your rights and record violations during searches and interrogations.

Under no circumstances should you sign documents whose content is unclear or which were drawn up without the participation of a lawyer.

Representation in court and appeal

The lawyer will provide professional representation at the court hearing and preparation and registration of the appeal case, as required. We are scouring the database of materials, preparing evidence and working hard to protect your rights. The court actively collects simple evidence of the accused, operates on the nuances of the law, adds evidence and creates circumstances to reduce the likelihood. If the decision of the first instance does not influence the client, the specialist is preparing an appeal with all the procedural details in order to maximally strengthen the position in the appellate court.