You often hear about drug trafficking on television or in the movies, but it is typically related to the mob or gangs. However, drug trafficking is a serious crime in Oklahoma that you could be charged with if you are arrested with enough drugs that they could be distributed. You might be surprised to learn that a distributable quantity does not have to be a large amount!

What Quantities of Drugs Constitute Trafficking?

A few examples of the quantity of drug that constitutes trafficking in Oklahoma are as follows:

As you can see from the chart above, it does not take a trunk load of drugs to constitute trafficking!

Drug Trafficking Penalties

If you are convicted of drug trafficking, the punishment is generally 4 years to life in prison. If you have a previous felony drug conviction, your punishment is an even longer prison sentence. Additionally, you will face substantial monetary fines along with your time in jail.

What Happens During a Traffic Stop for Suspected Drug Trafficking?

When you are pulled over by the police for suspected drug trafficking, the officers will separate the driver and passengers. They will look for inconsistencies in their stories, look for nervousness, smell for drug odors, search for any drugs on plain site, and attempt to gather any other incriminating evidence available to them. At some point, the officers will ask to search your vehicle. Just say No! Under the 4^th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to be free from any unreasonable searches and seizures.

What if the Officer Has a Drug Dog?

If the officer requests to search your vehicle and you say no, the officer may use a K-9 drug detection dog to walk around the perimeter of your vehicle to perform an open air sniff. If the dog detects the odor of drugs, it will sit or otherwise signal to the officer. At this point, the officer has reasonable suspicion and probable cause to search the car.

What Happens During the Search of My Vehicle?

When the police search your car, they will also look in any bags, luggage, or other containers in the vehicle. They will also search your body for drugs. Again, a drug dog will assist in the search if one is present. Do not consent to any of the searches! They may continue the search without your consent, but do not voluntarily agree to it.

It is critical to remember that the officers are recording everything you say. Police wear body microphones and there are audio recorders in the officer’s vehicles. Once you are arrested and placed into the officer’s vehicle, do not talk to anyone. You are being recorded whether an officer is in the vehicle or not. In fact, you are often placed in the same vehicle as your passenger with the hope that you will confess or have an incriminating conversation. Remain silent and only speak to ask to contact your criminal defense attorney.

Seek Legal Guidance As Soon as Possible

The police will attempt to interrogate you, but you should remain silent. You have the right to contact a criminal defense attorney before you provide a statement. An experienced lawyer can review the circumstances of your arrest and determine if your rights were violated and fight aggressively to obtain the most positive outcome for your situation.

You Should Not Face Criminal Charges Alone – Contact Us Today

If you are facing criminal charges it is critical to seek the help of experienced criminal defense professionals. Our BMO criminal defense attorney legal team provides upfront communication and aggressive representation of our clients. Schedule a FREE consultation call Babbit, Mitchell & Ogle at (405) 692-7676 to ensure your rights are protected and to receive the best possible defense.