Drug Trafficking Attorney in Brockton

Your Defense Starts Here: Trusted Legal Help for Drug Trafficking Charges in Brockton

When facing a drug trafficking charge in Brockton, you need clear guidance and skilled legal support from the very beginning. The process can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. At Degiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C., the attorneys understand how Massachusetts courts handle these serious drug offenses and focus on providing steady guidance when you need it most.

Many individuals charged with drug trafficking in the Brockton area encounter immediate challenges, including aggressive law enforcement tactics and complex evidence issues. Local procedures in Plymouth County courts often influence your next steps, making it crucial to understand how the courts interpret Massachusetts drug trafficking statutes.

Do not delay in seeking protection against a mandatory minimum sentence. Call a dedicated drug trafficking attorney in Brockton at (617) 941-3666 or contact us online now for your free consultation.

Understanding Drug Trafficking Laws in Massachusetts

Drug Trafficking, distinct from simple possession or even possession with intent to distribute, is defined primarily by the weight of the controlled substance in question, not necessarily by evidence of a sale. 

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 94C, Section 32E, establishes the tiered structure of the offense, making it a felony punishable by a mandatory minimum prison sentence once the alleged drug quantity exceeds a specific statutory threshold.

We recognize that the prosecution’s case against a client facing a Brockton drug trafficking lawyer often hinges entirely on the crime lab’s weight calculation and certification. Because a fraction of a gram can mean the difference between years in prison and a probation-eligible sentence, our firm challenges every technical and procedural detail of the charge.

The Legal Definition and Elements the Prosecution Must Prove

To secure a conviction for Drug Trafficking, the Commonwealth must prove several elements beyond a reasonable doubt. For any drug trafficking attorney in Brockton to mount a successful defense, we must undermine the state's ability to prove one or more of these core components:

• Possession or Control: That the defendant possessed, either actually (on their person) or constructively (having the power and intention to exercise dominion and control), the controlled substance.
• Specific Quantity: That the net weight of the controlled substance was equal to or greater than the specific minimum weight required for the particular drug under M.G.L. c. 94C, § 32E.
• Knowledge and Intent: That the defendant knew the substance was a controlled substance and acted knowingly or intentionally in manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, cultivating, or possessing it with the intent to perform one of those acts.
• Nature of the Substance: That the substance was in fact the controlled substance alleged (e.g., Cocaine, Heroin, Fentanyl, etc.) and falls within the appropriate Class (A, B, C, or D).

This last element—the specific quantity—is what elevates a potential drug distribution charge into the high-stakes world of drug trafficking.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of a Drug Trafficking Conviction in Brockton

The severe nature of a Drug Trafficking charge in Massachusetts is directly tied to the mandatory minimum sentences prescribed by statute. These are prison terms that a judge must impose upon a conviction, regardless of your personal history, mitigating factors, or cooperation.

Direct Sentencing Consequences

The length of the mandatory sentence depends on the drug class and the quantity. As your Brockton drug trafficking lawyer, we focus on the most commonly prosecuted substances in Massachusetts:

• Trafficking Cocaine (Class B): Trafficking $36$ grams or more requires a mandatory minimum of $3.5 years in state prison. Trafficking $100$ grams or more increases the mandatory minimum to $8 years.
• Trafficking Heroin (Class A): Trafficking $36$ grams or more carries a mandatory minimum of $5 years in state prison.
• Trafficking Fentanyl (Class A): Trafficking $10$ grams or more carries a mandatory minimum of $3.5 years in state prison.

In addition to state prison time, a conviction results in exorbitant fines—often reaching tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Collateral and Lasting Consequences

The impact of a conviction extends far beyond the prison gates. These collateral consequences are part of what we fight tirelessly to help our clients avoid:

• Driver's License Suspension: An automatic and mandatory suspension of your Massachusetts driver's license for a period of up to five years.
• Asset Forfeiture: The state may seize and attempt to permanently keep any assets—cash, vehicles, homes, or bank accounts—that law enforcement alleges were used in the commission of the drug crime.
• Immigration Status: For non-citizens, a Drug Trafficking conviction is often classified as an aggravated felony under federal law, leading to mandatory deportation and permanent inadmissibility to the U.S.
• Career and Professional Licensing: A felony conviction for a crime of distribution will severely limit job prospects and can result in the loss or denial of many professional licenses.

Our Comprehensive Approach to Drug Trafficking Defense

When you hire DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C., you are not just getting a lawyer; you are securing a comprehensive defense strategy built on legal knowledge and courtroom tenacity. Our approach to defending against a serious drug trafficking charge is customized to the unique facts and evidence in your case.

• Attacking the Search Warrant: We scrutinize the affidavit used to obtain any search warrant. If the police lacked probable cause, if the information was stale, or if the warrant was too broad, we will petition the court to suppress all resulting evidence. This is a common and highly effective defense in Massachusetts drug cases.
• Disputing Constructive Possession: Often, drugs are found in a shared space (like a car or apartment) and not directly on your person. The prosecution must prove "constructive possession"—that you had the knowledge, ability, and intent to control the drugs. We counter this by emphasizing "mere presence" and arguing that another individual had equal or greater access to the controlled substance, raising reasonable doubt about your direct involvement.
• Lack of Knowledge or Coercion: We explore defenses that challenge the criminal intent element. This can involve demonstrating that you were unaware the substance was present, that you were holding the item for another person without knowing its contents, or, in some situations, that you were unlawfully entrapped or coerced by law enforcement.
• Mitigation and Alternative Sentencing: Even in cases with strong evidence, we work tirelessly to present mitigating evidence to the judge and prosecutor to argue for the lowest possible non-mandatory sentence, or to secure a plea that avoids the devastating mandatory minimum requirement altogether.

For the most aggressive defense against a life-changing Brockton drug trafficking lawyer case, look no further than DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C.

What Sets Degiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. Apart in Brockton’s Legal Community

With a deep understanding of Massachusetts drug laws and significant experience in criminal defense, Degiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. stands out for several important reasons. Both attorneys previously served as prosecutors, giving them first-hand insight into how the state investigates and charges cases.

Their approach comes from years spent on both sides of drug cases, including those in Brockton, Plymouth County, and throughout Massachusetts. The attorneys’ familiarity with district attorneys and court practices allows them to clearly explain legal risks and help clients avoid common pitfalls in the criminal justice system. 

By remaining accessible and responding quickly to questions, the firm builds trust with people who need reliable counsel when the stakes are high. This attentive service proves especially valuable in Brockton, where local enforcement trends and evolving case law can influence the outcome of drug trafficking cases.

Comprehensive Support from Your Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Brockton

Having the right defense means working with a team that understands state drug laws and knows how Plymouth County courts approach these matters. Here is what you gain when you hire a drug trafficking attorney in Brockton:

• Personalized legal guidance. The attorneys work with you to explain current charges, outline the court process, and review the options best suited to your situation.
• Former prosecutor insight. Their prior prosecutorial roles help them anticipate possible approaches by law enforcement and district attorneys, supporting informed decisions at each phase.
• Clear communication. You receive updates and straightforward answers to any questions about your case or the legal process, so you always know what to expect.
• 24/7 availability. Legal concerns can arise at any time. You have access to help and support whenever you need it.
• Understanding of local courts. The attorneys know how judges across Brockton and Plymouth County evaluate these cases, which can influence the path of your defense.

The defense process for drug trafficking charges typically includes arrest, arraignment, pretrial hearings, and sometimes trial. At each step, it’s essential to have a knowledgeable advocate by your side who can clarify options and answer questions. This support helps reduce confusion and helps you stay prepared at every turn.

What to Expect When You Work With a Drug Trafficking Attorney in Brockton

When you contact Degiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C., the process begins with a private, confidential consultation. The following steps usually form the basis of your legal journey:

• Initial consultation. Share details about your situation to help your attorney explain how Massachusetts charges are handled and advise you on immediate actions.
• Case evaluation. A thorough review of police reports, evidence, and local law enforcement practices allows the attorneys to identify the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
• Discussion of legal strategies. The team provides advice on available defenses, likely court timelines, and important considerations to keep in mind as your case progresses.
• Ongoing updates and advocacy. Receive straightforward updates on court appearances, changes in your circumstances, and any new developments so you stay informed at every stage.

Contact a Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Brockton Today

Taking action quickly can make a measurable difference in how your drug trafficking case in Brockton unfolds. Contact Degiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. for a confidential, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and learn about your legal options.

Call (617) 941-3666 or reach out online today to connect with a trusted drug trafficking attorney in Brockton.