State and Federal Drug Trafficking Crimes
Drug trafficking is, at its most basic, the possession of large quantities of narcotics, regardless of any specific intent to distribute. The penalties for drug trafficking crimes are disastrous. The potential sentences can lock you up for years, if not decades.
In addition to long jail sentences — and in some extreme cases, life sentences — there are numerous other possible consequences that include:
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Forfeiture of assets, including your home, property and money
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Loss of access to various loans and grants
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Immigration issues for foreign nationals and illegal aliens living in the U.S.
If you’ve been arrested on a State or Federal trafficking charge, it’s indispensable to have an experienced criminal defense team. Both Nicholas G. Matassini and Christina Pappas Matassini are former prosecutors with valuable insight into how the government prosecutes these cases. Nick Matassini Sr., the founder of The Matassini law Firm, has been defending drug trafficking cases in State and Federal courts for over 35 years. Our attorneys are proud to continue to report the tremendous success we have achieved over the years in this area of the law.
Recently when police arrested an aspiring nurse for trafficking in cocaine, Nicholas Matassini was able to force the prosecution into a plea bargain and save the client’s career. Nicholas filed a motion to suppress the search warrant and argued that the cops lied in their supporting affidavit. Thus he argued to the Court, the charges should be thrown out. However, Nicholas’ client wanted to avoid a lengthy hearing and trial. Due to the strength of the motion to suppress, the charges were reduced from trafficking in cocaine — carrying a felony conviction and a potential for 30 years in prison — to a simple possession charge. The client was then allowed into a court diversion program. When the diversion program was completed, charges were dismissed and the client had her record expunged. Her career and livelihood were saved.
If you have been accused of a drug trafficking charge, contact skilled legal help right away.