How to Find Information on the Prosecution Process for Drug Smuggling

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:FindInformationProsecutionProcessDrugSmuggling
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How to Find Information on the Prosecution Process for Drug Smuggling

Introduction

Drug smuggling is the illegal transport of drugs across state or national borders. If you have been apprehended by the police and accused of smuggling drugs, you will need information about the prosecution process to survive the ordeal. Follow these steps to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Find Out About the Prosecution Process for Drug Smuggling

Steps

1

Step One

Visit the FindLaw Web site (see Resources below) for an overview of the procedures involved in a criminal trial. This site will give you some basic information on what prosecution for drug smuggling will involve. Defendants have some decisions to make that will affect how a case is prosecuted (e.g., whether or not to insist on a jury trial).
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Step Two

See the Web site of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) (see Resources below) for information on the penalties for drug trafficking. You can also find information on this site about the Controlled Substances Act, which sets forth federal law on drug offenses.
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Step Three

Hit the books. Consulting the law books at your local library will provide a wealth of information on the prosecution process for drug smuggling in your state and at the federal level. Ask the librarian to help you find the correct resources for the information you seek.
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Step Four

Hire a criminal defense attorney, preferably one with experience in drug smuggling cases. An attorney will walk you through the process of prosecution and give you additional information on options like plea bargaining. Find an attorney by getting recommendations from others, looking under ''Attorneys'' or ''Lawyers'' in your local telephone directory or by getting in touch with the American Bar Association (see Resources below).
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Step Five

Talk to others who have been through the same thing. It is one thing to be told what to expect in the prosecution process, but quite another to hear about it from someone who has experienced it. Attend a meeting of your local chapter of Narcotics Anonymous (see Resources below) to meet people who can give you firsthand information on the process. You can also get help for drug addiction while you are there.

Overall Tips & Warnings

  • Every accused criminal has certain rights in the United States as set forth in the Constitution. One of these rights is the right not to be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment from the court.
  • Most large-scale drug smuggling arrests are federal offenses, and federal law provides for minimum sentencing in drug trafficking cases. You may go to federal prison if convicted of drug smuggling.

Overall Things You'll Need

  • Local telephone book
  • Computer with Internet access
  • Telephone
  • Library
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