Boston Drug Trafficking Attorney

Defending Against Drug Trafficking Charges in Massachusetts

The consequences of being accused of drug trafficking in Massachusetts can be life-altering. At DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C., our team of seasoned legal professionals is dedicated to providing unwavering support and experienced representation to those facing drug trafficking charges in Boston.

If you're facing drug trafficking charges in Boston, the legal guidance of DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. can make a meaningful difference. Our dedicated team of attorneys focuses on defending clients against drug-related offenses, providing firm advocacy and personalized legal strategies to protect your rights and freedom.

Our Drug Trafficking Defense Services

At DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C., we handle a wide range of drug trafficking charges, including but not limited to:

• Possession with intent to distribute
• Drug manufacturing
• Drug conspiracy
• Interstate drug trafficking
• Federal drug offenses

No matter the severity of the charges against you, you can trust our Boston drug trafficking attorneys to provide determined and effective representation, working to defend your freedom and future.

Call DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C today at (617) 941-3666 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our drug trafficking lawyer in Boston.

Understanding Drug Trafficking Laws in Massachusetts

Drug trafficking is a serious criminal offense under both federal and state laws. It involves the illegal sale, transportation, importation, or distribution of controlled substances, such as narcotics, prescription medications, and illicit drugs, intending to distribute or selling them. In Massachusetts, drug trafficking charges can encompass various substances, from cocaine and heroin to marijuana and prescription drugs.

Drug trafficking in Massachusetts is primarily governed by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 94C, Section 32E. Unlike simple possession or even distribution, trafficking charges are almost entirely dependent on the weight of the controlled substance involved. Once the weight of the seized drugs crosses a specific threshold defined by statute, the charge automatically becomes trafficking, regardless of whether there is direct evidence of a sale.

The substances most commonly associated with these charges in the Boston area include:

• Class A Substances: Primarily Heroin and Fentanyl. Due to the ongoing opioid crisis, these carry some of the harshest penalties in the Commonwealth.
• Class B Substances: Includes Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, and Methamphetamines.
• Class D Substances: Marijuana. While Massachusetts has legalized recreational use, trafficking 50 pounds or more remains a serious felony.

It is important to note that you can be charged with trafficking even if you never intended to sell the drugs. The law allows the prosecution to infer "intent to distribute" based solely on the volume of the substance found in your possession. This "legal fiction" is one of the many areas where a drug trafficking lawyer in Boston can intervene to challenge the state's assumptions.

Penalties for Drug Trafficking Convictions in Massachusetts

The penalties for drug trafficking in Massachusetts are severe. They can vary based on several factors, including the specific type and quantity of drugs involved, prior criminal history, and any aggravating circumstances. Drug trafficking in the state of Massachusetts is treated as a felony offense.

Most trafficking counts carry mandatory minimum sentences, meaning a judge is legally forbidden from giving you probation or a shorter sentence, regardless of your personal background or character.

• Cocaine Trafficking: Penalties range from a 2-year mandatory minimum (for 18–36 grams) up to a 12-year mandatory minimum for 200 grams or more.
• Heroin/Fentanyl Trafficking: These charges start with a 3.5-year mandatory minimum for small amounts (18-36g of heroin or 10g of fentanyl) and can escalate to 12 years or more for larger quantities.
• Marijuana Trafficking: Trafficking 50 to 100 pounds carries a mandatory 1-year jail sentence, with penalties increasing as the weight grows.

Long-term consequences frequently extend far beyond the courtroom. A trafficking conviction can make it difficult to obtain many types of employment, affect professional licenses, and impact immigration status for noncitizens. Housing and education opportunities can also be limited once a felony trafficking record appears on background checks. 

When advising clients, DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. discusses both the direct penalties and these collateral effects so that each person understands what is truly at stake and can make informed choices about trial, negotiation, or alternative resolutions.

Defenses Against Drug Trafficking Charges in Boston

Facing drug trafficking charges in Massachusetts is daunting, but it is essential to remember that you have rights, and there are viable defenses that a Boston drug trafficking attorney can employ on your behalf. Our legal team at DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. will explore all potential defenses, including:

• Illegal Search and Seizure: If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights by executing an unlawful search or seizure, the evidence collected may be deemed inadmissible in court.
• Lack of Intent: Showing that you did not have the intent to distribute or traffic drugs can be a valid defense strategy.
• Chain of Custody Issues: Any gaps or inconsistencies in the chain of custody of seized drugs may raise doubts about the integrity of the evidence.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement induced you to commit a drug trafficking offense you would not have otherwise engaged in, entrapment may be a viable defense.

The attorneys at DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. also pay close attention to how laboratory testing was conducted and reported. Errors in weighing, contamination during testing, and incomplete documentation can all undermine the reliability of the government’s evidence. 

By reviewing lab reports, requesting underlying data, and, when appropriate, consulting independent professionals, the firm builds defenses that focus on the accuracy and fairness of the proof being used in Boston courts. This detail-oriented approach can support motions to suppress or exclude evidence and may significantly change how a case is resolved.

How Boston Drug Trafficking Cases Move Through the Courts

Understanding the basic path a trafficking case takes through the Boston court system can make the process feel less overwhelming. While every situation is different, most cases follow a similar sequence of steps. Knowing what usually happens at each stage can help you prepare questions, gather documents, and work more effectively with a Boston drug trafficking lawyer.

Most cases begin with an arraignment in a District Court or the Boston Municipal Court, where the charges are formally read, and issues like bail and conditions of release are addressed. The next phase often involves pretrial conferences and motion hearings, where the defense and prosecution exchange evidence and argue about whether certain evidence should be suppressed or limited. In trafficking cases, motions may challenge the legality of a motor vehicle stop on a Boston roadway, the sufficiency of a search warrant for a residence, or the way officers handled any statements you are alleged to have made.

If the case does not resolve during the pretrial stage, it may move toward a trial in the District Court or, in more serious matters, be indicted and transferred to the Superior Court in Suffolk County or another county. At trial, prosecutors must prove each element of the trafficking charge beyond a reasonable doubt, including the identity of the substance, its weight, and your connection to it. Throughout this process, a drug trafficking lawyer in Boston can advise you about deadlines, prepare you for testimony if needed, and help you weigh the risks and benefits of going to trial versus considering any plea offers that may be on the table.

Why Choose DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. to Fight Massachusetts Drug Trafficking Charges

Drug laws are statewide, but trafficking cases are handled in specific courthouses with their own routines and expectations. Working with a Boston drug trafficking attorney who regularly appears in these courts can provide practical advantages. Familiarity with local procedures, filing practices, and how individual judges typically handle issues such as bail or motions can influence how a defense strategy is built and presented.

DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. maintains offices in multiple Massachusetts counties and frequently represents clients in Boston-area courts. Over time, this has allowed the firm to observe how different prosecuting agencies prioritize certain types of trafficking cases, which diversion or treatment-based options may be available in particular courts, and how local policies can affect plea discussions.

With us, you can expect:

• Experience: With years of experience in criminal defense law, our firm has a proven track record of success in handling Massachusetts drug trafficking cases. We understand the complexities of Massachusetts drug laws and have the knowledge and skill to navigate the legal system effectively on your behalf.
• Strategic Defense: Every case is unique, which is why we tailor our defense strategies to the specific circumstances of your situation. Whether negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or vigorously defending you at trial, our Boston drug trafficking lawyer will pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
• Personalized Attention: At DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C., we believe in providing personalized attention to every client. We'll take the time to listen to your concerns, explain your legal options, and keep you informed at every stage of the legal process, ensuring that you feel supported and empowered throughout your case.
• Aggressive Advocacy: Our drug trafficking attorneys are known for their aggressive advocacy both inside and outside the courtroom. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and challenge any evidence or allegations against you, working to achieve the most favorable resolution possible.

Contact Our Boston Drug Trafficking Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one is facing drug trafficking charges in Boston, you need a dedicated legal advocate who will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and future. At DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C., our Boston drug trafficking attorney is here to help you navigate this difficult journey and strive for the best possible outcome. Trust us to be your unwavering legal ally in the fight against drug trafficking charges.

Taking action early after an arrest or investigation can make a meaningful difference in how a case proceeds. When you contact DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C., the attorneys can advise you on what to do and what to avoid before arraignment, help you prepare for conditions of release, and begin gathering documents or information that may support your defense. 

They also explain the typical timeline for a Boston trafficking case, from arraignment and pretrial conferences through motion hearings and any potential trial, so you have a clear roadmap of what lies ahead. This early guidance can help you avoid common missteps and feel more prepared as the case moves forward.

Contact DeGiacomo & Mikhlin, P.C. online or call (617) 941-3666 today to get started with our Boston drug trafficking attorney.