The state of Utah has an extremely punitive stance on drug transgressions, particularly when those alleged criminal acts are part of a larger trafficking scheme. Trafficking can include a number of drug offenses, including cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, import/export, possession, transportation and sale.
In addition to penalties on the state level, a trafficking charge, if the scale is large enough, will also include federal agencies, adding to the already severe sanctions that Utah imposes.
With this in mind, a vital step in the process is to speak with a criminal defense attorney who is experienced in cases such as this one and can advise you in the most effective manner possible.
Salt Lake City Drug Trafficking Attorney
Levitt Legal, PLLC is here to help if you have found yourself in a situation where you may be under investigation for drug trafficking, or have been accused of this serious offense. Darren Levitt is committed to providing his clients with excellent legal counsel while also making certain that their individual rights are upheld and protected throughout the entire criminal process.
With experience in similar cases, Darren is well suited to provide legal representation for those accused of drug trafficking in the Utah counties of Box Elder, Salt Lake, Tooele, Utah, Morgan, Cache, Weber, Summit, Davis and Wasatch.
Call (801) 455-1743 or send an online message to schedule a free and confidential consultation with Darren Levitt to discuss the detail of your case.
Drug Trafficking under Utah Law
In Utah Code §58-37-8, it specifically states that it is unlawful for any person to knowingly and intentionally:
- Produce, manufacture or dispense, or possess with intent to produce manufacture or dispense, a controlled or counterfeit substance;
- Distribute a controlled or counterfeit substance with intent to distribute; or
- Engage in a continuing criminal enterprise where the person participates, directs, or engages in conduct in violation of the provisions under Utah Code Chapter 37.
Utah has 5 Schedules of controlled substances, with Schedule I being the most dangerous. Highlighted in Utah Code §58-37-4, some of the common substances found in drug trafficking cases include:
- Marijuana
- Heroin
- Morphine
- Psilocybin (Mushrooms)
- Opium
- Oxycodone
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Anabolic steroids
The penalties, if convicted, will vary depending on the type of illegal substance, the amount, and previous criminal history.
Utah Code §58-37-8 states that a person found with a substance classified in Schedule I or II, a controlled substance analog, or gammahydroxybutyric acid as listed in Schedule III is guilty of a second degree felony. If they are dealing with a second or subsequent conviction, they will be guilty of a first degree felony.
If the person is found with a substance classified in Schedule III or IV, or marijuana, is guilty of a third degree felony. If it is their second or subsequent conviction, they will be guilty of a second-degree felony.
If the person is found with a substance classified in Schedule V, they are guilty of a class A misdemeanor. If it is their second or subsequent conviction, they will be guilty of a third degree felony.
- First Degree Felony – Five years to life in prison and / or up to $10,000 in fines.
- Second Degree Felony – One to fifteen years in prison and / or up to $10,000 in fines.
- Third Degree Felony – Up to five years in prison and / or up to $5,000 in fines.
- Class A Misdemeanor – Up to one year in jail and / or up to $2,500 in fines.
Levitt Legal, PLLC || Salt Lake City Drug Trafficking Arrest Lawyer
If you or a loved one is currently dealing with a drug trafficking charge, speaking with a qualified criminal defense attorney will give you a better understanding of the scope and severity of the issue. Darren Levitt is committed to protecting the rights of all the clients he represents and will implement his extensive legal knowledge to devise a proper defense strategy that factors in all the aspects of your case.
Call (801) 455-1743 or send an online message to set up a free consultation in order to discuss your case and look at your options. Darren proudly represents individuals accused of crimes in and around the Utah cities of Tremonton, Perry, West Valley City, West Jordan, Taylorsville, Murray, South Salt Lake, Tooele, Grantsville, Provo, Pleasant Grove, Logan, Morgan, Smithfield, Ogden, Roy, Park City, Francis, Layton and Midway.