Massachusetts Criminal Defense Attorney Blog
A joint task force comprised of the local office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Medford, Massachusetts Police and the Middlesex County PACT Unit executed a search warrant at a Medford man’s home this past Monday. Officers found and seized a total of nine kilograms of cocaine. Seven were located in the defendant’s home and the remaining two were found in a companion’s SUV parked in the driveway of the home. Law enforcement officials estimated the street value of the drugs around $500,000.00.
The Medford man was identified as Heriberto Cruz. His companion is Patricia Taia. Both were arrested after the search was conducted. They were charged with trafficking 200 grams or more of cocaine as well as conspiracy to violate the drug laws. If convicted both face a minimum mandatory sentence of fifteen years in state prison.
Trafficking is the most serious of all the drug crimes in Massachusetts. Mandatory state prison sentences have been set by the legislature. Cocaine trafficking is broken down into four separate crimes. Trafficking cocaine of 14 grams or more requires a 3 year state prison sentence. Trafficking cocaine of 28 grams or more mandates a 5 year state prison sentence. Trafficking cocaine of 100 grams or more is punishable by a mandatory 10 year state prison sentence. Trafficking cocaine of 200 grams or more mandates the greatest sentence, 15 years in state prison.
If you are looking for an experienced Massachusetts Cocaine Trafficking Defense Lawyer you should call our office immediately. There are several steps that you can take to protect your rights. Often times good lawyering can result in charges being dismissed or reduced. You can help protect yourself by hiring a top Massachusetts Criminal Defense Lawyer right away.
Our office has the experience and skill you need to defend against allegations involving drug trafficking. We have tried and won drug trafficking cases throughout Massachusetts. Calling us is the first step.
Related Web Resources:
Massachusetts Cocaine Trafficking Defense Lawyers
Read Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office Press Release: Two Arrested, Arraigned After Nine Kilos of Cocaine Seized in Medford Bust
Cocaine Trafficking in Massachusetts is governed by G.L. c. 94C sec. 32E