California Drug Trafficking Defense Law Firm

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San Bernardino criminal defense attorneys diligently represent clients charged with drug trafficking out of Ontario International Airport.

Ontario International Airport is just 40 miles from Los Angeles, and thus, is frequently monitored by federal drug agents. Indeed, drug trafficking is one of the most common reasons why someone is arrested at the airport.

California drug trafficking offenses can be prosecuted under either state or federal law, and can carry lengthy prison sentences. Anyone facing these serious allegations needs to have an attorney in their corner who understands the relevant laws and is prepared to fight on their behalf.

We handle the details. We make your case.

At Amicus Legal Group, we proudly stand up for those who have been charged with California drug trafficking after being arrested at Ontario International Airport. We command an in-depth understanding of the relevant state and federal laws, and use this knowledge to aggressively defend your rights at every stage of the process. At Amicus Legal Group, we will not play around with your freedom. We know how serious a drug trafficking conviction is, and what it can do to the life you have created, and we promise to do everything we can to help you move past the allegations and get on with your life.

State and Federal Drug Trafficking Laws

Fighting state or federal drug trafficking charges can be an uphill battle. However, having an experienced Ontario criminal defense attorney in your corner will ensure that you are doing everything possible to protect your future.

Drug trafficking is illegal under both state and federal law.

While most street-level drug offenses are prosecuted in state court, interstate or international drug trafficking is most often handled in federal courts. Under federal law, drug smuggling carries significant penalties. The length of the penalty depends on the amount of drugs as well as any prior conviction(s).

Drug trafficking is illegal under both state and federal law.

While most street-level drug offenses are prosecuted in state court, interstate or international drug trafficking is most often handled in federal courts. Under federal law, drug smuggling carries significant penalties. The length of the penalty depends on the amount of drugs as well as any prior conviction(s).

Drug Trafficking Law Firm San Bernardino, CA

Drugs and Their Corresponding Penalties

Below is a list of a few drugs and their corresponding penalties.

Cocaine Base

  • 500 grams to less than 5 kilos: Not less than five years imprisonment and not more than 40 years imprisonment for a first offense and up to a life sentence for subsequent offenses.
  • More than 5 kilos: Not less than ten years imprisonment, up to life in prison for a first offense, and not less than 20 years imprisonment for a second offense.

Heroin

  • One hundred grams to less than 1 kilo: Not less than five years imprisonment and not more than 40 years imprisonment for a first offense and up to a life sentence for subsequent offenses.
  • More than 1 kilos: Not less than ten years imprisonment, up to life in prison for a first offense, and not less than 20 years imprisonment for a second offense.

Marijuana

  • One hundred kilos to less than 1000 kilos: Not less than five years imprisonment and not more than 40 years imprisonment for a first offense and up to a life sentence for subsequent offenses.
  • More than 1000 kilos: Not less than ten years imprisonment, up to life in prison for a first offense, and not less than 20 years imprisonment for a second offense.

Things to Keep in Mind When Traveling at the Ontario International Airport

Travelers who have been through the Ontario International Airport are familiar with the security measure in place. In addition to law enforcement officers that regularly patrol the airport, travelers must also interact with U.S. Customs and TSA agents. These agents are trained to ask basic questions about the contents of passengers’ bags, and to detect any hesitation or withheld information. If an agent suspects something is off about a passenger, they can flag the passenger and their belongings for an additional search. However, a search must be limited in scope to detect the contraband the agent suspects were present. When a search exceeds its permissible scope, or statements are coerced from passengers, any evidence obtained may be suppressed and kept out of trial.

We proudly stand up for your rights.

If you have recently been charged with a California drug trafficking offense after being arrested at the Ontario International Airport, reach out to the dedicated team of criminal defense attorneys at Amicus Legal Group. Our attorneys command a detailed knowledge of the legal principles involved in these cases, as well as your state and federal constitutional rights. When you allow us to defend you, we will proudly stand up for your rights, doing everything we can to help you move past the allegations, and get on with your life. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation, call us at (888) 588-1777. You can also reach us through our online form.

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Client Testimonials

Five Star California Law Firm
John-Paul is an extremely effective criminal defense attorney. The one thing that makes him stand out from other defense attorneys is that he talks to his clients to learn the circumstances surrounding their incident and then he makes a forceful and articulate argument in defense of his clients. I recommend my clients to John-Paul when they are in need of a criminal defense attorney because I know he will stand up for them.
Stephen Rinka

I had the pleasure of working a very large scale drug case with Mr. Serrao, representing co-defendants. Mr. Serrao was a pleasure to work with. Highly skilled and very aggressive in his advocacy on his client’s behalf. I highly recommend Mr. Serrao for anyone looking for a criminal defense attorney.

Babak Farahan

Mr. Serrao worked on my DUI charge earlier this year and all I can say is WOW! Not only did he keep me updated with the case but his knowledge of the process helped calm my nerves, which was very important to me. He showed care for me as a client and I can’t thank him enough. I would recommend him to anyone in need of a quality criminal defense attorney.

Derrick J.

Occasionally you meet another attorney who is so impressive both personally and professionally that you want to be affiliated with them in any way you can both personally and professionally. That is how I feel about John-Paul. I not only consider him one of the finest attorneys I know, but I now proudly call him my friend. He is among the very best.

David Booth

John-Paul is well known in our community as a smart and effective criminal defense lawyer who is sensitive to his clients’ situations and responsive to their needs. I refer my clients to him with confidence when they need help with the criminal justice system.

Lawrence Brock

John-Paul took my civil case when no one else would because other lawyers didn’t have confidence in my daughter who has special needs to testify, if needed. John-Paul won her case against the school district without a jury because he cared about my child, believed she was honest and deserved justice. He still doesn’t mind taking my calls whenever I have a question regarding her case.

Dionne L.

John-Paul is a superb attorney. He was my mentor when I was in law school, and now as an attorney I still go to him for advice on complex cases. When my brother required representation I referred him to John-Paul. That is how highly I think of JP as an attorney. I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs representation.

Kit Westbrook

Attorney John Paul-Serrao helped us to win our case against the insurance company after we were involved in a traffic accident where our car was rear ended, we tried to handle it ourselves with the insurance company and they did not want to cooperate with us, so we hired Mr. Serrao and he was able to get us a settlement above with the insurance company was willing to pay. I would highly recommend him.

Lupe G.
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