Lincoln Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Drug trafficking charges in Lincoln, Nebraska carry mandatory minimum prison sentences, massive fines, asset forfeiture, and permanent felony convictions that destroy employment prospects, housing opportunities, and constitutional rights. 

Liberty Law Group defends individuals facing state and federal drug trafficking charges in Lancaster County and federal courts, challenging search validity, suppressing illegally obtained evidence, and fighting to protect your freedom and future.

Contact Liberty Law Group’s Lincoln drug trafficking lawyer at (531) 249-5534 for a free, confidential consultation. Federal and state drug trafficking investigations move quickly, and early legal representation protects your rights from the outset.

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Why Nebraskans Choose Liberty Law Group

Liberty Law Group defends serious criminal charges across Nebraska, including drug trafficking cases. We recognize that drug trafficking arrests often follow months of investigation (surveillance, controlled buys, confidential informants, wiretaps) that build extensive evidence before arrest. These cases require attorneys who understand both Nebraska state drug laws and federal sentencing guidelines, who scrutinize search warrants for constitutional deficiencies, and who aggressively challenge the credibility of cooperating witnesses.

Strategic Defense for State and Federal Drug Charges

The firm handles drug trafficking prosecutions in Lancaster County District Court and United States District Court for the District of Nebraska. State prosecutions under Nebraska statutes differ substantially from federal prosecutions under Title 21 of the United States Code. 

Liberty Law Group evaluates which jurisdiction filed charges, whether parallel prosecutions exist, and what defense opportunities are available.

Proven Results in Serious Drug Cases

Liberty Law Group has successfully defended clients against serious federal drug charges through meticulous evidence review and aggressive trial advocacy. In one case, the firm secured a complete acquittal on federal charges of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine—a charge carrying a minimum 10-year sentence and maximum life imprisonment. At trial, attorney Seth Morris demonstrated critical gaps in the investigation, including the absence of fingerprint evidence, cell phone data, or incriminating statements linking the client to the drugs. The jury found the government failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the client had knowledge of the drugs and returned a verdict of “Not Guilty” on all counts.

While past results do not guarantee future outcomes, the firm’s methodical approach to challenging evidence, exposing investigative weaknesses, and forcing the government to meet its burden of proof creates opportunities for favorable resolutions in cases with evidentiary problems.

Early Intervention in Drug Investigations

Drug trafficking investigations often begin long before arrest. Law enforcement conducts surveillance, monitors communications, uses confidential informants, and builds cases methodically over weeks or months. Individuals under investigation often have urgent questions for a criminal defense attorney when they receive target letters, grand jury subpoenas, or other indications of pending charges.

Early legal representation allows attorneys to intervene before formal charging, advise clients regarding their Fifth Amendment rights, and potentially negotiate resolutions that avoid indictment. 

If you suspect you’re under investigation, contact Liberty Law Group immediately. Statements made before retaining counsel become evidence that the government uses against you.

Accessible Representation for Serious Charges

The firm offers free consultations for drug trafficking cases and discusses flexible payment arrangements with clients, recognizing that unexpected federal or state charges create immediate financial pressure. During the initial consultation, attorneys explain Nebraska drug trafficking laws, federal sentencing guidelines, potential penalties, and realistic defense strategies. That clarity allows clients to make informed decisions about their defense without pressure or inflated promises.

Call Liberty Law Group’s Lincoln office at (531) 249-5534 to discuss your drug trafficking charges. The firm also maintains a contact form for clients who prefer written communication.

Nebraska Drug Trafficking Laws

Nebraska statute § 28-416 prohibits distribution, delivery, dispensation, or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. The statute distinguishes between drug types and quantities, imposing escalating penalties for larger amounts and more dangerous substances. 

Prosecutors need not prove actual sales occurred. Mere possession of quantities beyond personal use, combined with packaging materials, scales, large cash amounts, or communications referencing sales, establishes intent to distribute.

Federal Drug Trafficking Laws

Federal authorities prosecute drug trafficking cases under 21 U.S.C. § 841, which criminalizes manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, or possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances. Federal jurisdiction arises when investigations involve interstate commerce, federal property, large quantities triggering mandatory minimums, or conspiracy involving multiple jurisdictions. 

Federal prosecutors pursue harsher penalties, mandatory minimum sentences, and asset forfeiture more aggressively than state prosecutors.

Drug Classification and Trafficking Charges

Nebraska and federal law classify controlled substances into schedules based on abuse potential, accepted medical use, and safety. Schedule I substances (heroin, LSD, MDMA, marijuana under federal law) face the harshest penalties due to high abuse potential and lack of accepted medical use. Schedule II substances (cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, prescription opioids) possess high abuse potential but accepted medical uses. Lower schedules receive progressively lighter treatment.

Prosecutors charge different offenses based on specific substances. Methamphetamine trafficking charges under Nebraska law carry different penalties than cocaine trafficking charges. Federal sentencing guidelines calculate offense levels differently for different drug types, with crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl triggering particularly severe enhancements.

Distinguishing Possession From Drug Trafficking

Prosecutors charge drug trafficking rather than simple possession based on quantity, packaging, paraphernalia, communications, and other evidence suggesting distribution intent. Possession of large quantities inconsistent with personal use, individual packaging in baggies or bindles, scales, large cash amounts, customer lists, and text messages discussing sales all support trafficking charges.

Defense attorneys challenge trafficking allegations by demonstrating quantities consistent with personal use, absence of distribution paraphernalia, lack of sales communications, and other evidence contradicting distribution intent. 

Successful challenges could result in reduced charges carrying substantially lighter penalties.

Nebraska and Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties

Nebraska imposes mandatory minimum sentences for drug trafficking based on drug type and quantity under Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-416. Federal mandatory minimum sentences apply separately when cases are prosecuted in federal court, typically involving interstate commerce, large quantities, or multi-jurisdictional conspiracies.

Nebraska State Mandatory Minimum Sentences

Nebraska sets weight-based mandatory minimums for trafficking cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or amphetamines:

Other Schedule I–III controlled substances (excluding the substances above) are prosecuted as Class II felonies carrying 1–50 years imprisonment with a 1-year mandatory minimum, or Class IIA felonies carrying up to 20 years with no mandatory minimum. These mandatory minimums severely limit probation eligibility and judicial sentencing discretion.

Federal Mandatory Minimum Sentences by Drug Type and Quantity

Federal mandatory minimums under 21 U.S.C. § 841 apply when cases are prosecuted in federal court:

Prior felony drug convictions double these mandatory minimums. Two or more prior felony drug convictions trigger mandatory life sentences for quantities in Tier 2.

Aggravating Factors That Increase Penalties

Certain circumstances dramatically increase drug trafficking penalties under both Nebraska and federal law:

• Firearms possession: Drug trafficking while possessing firearms triggers mandatory consecutive sentences under federal law and substantial enhancements under Nebraska law
• Distribution near schools or parks: Sales within 1,000 feet of schools, playgrounds, or youth centers double maximum sentences
• Involving minors: Using individuals under 18 in drug trafficking operations results in enhanced penalties
• Prior convictions: Previous drug felonies escalate mandatory minimums substantially
• Causing death or serious injury: Distribution resulting in overdose death triggers 20-year to life federal sentences

Asset Forfeiture in Drug Trafficking Cases

Both Nebraska and federal authorities may pursue civil and criminal asset forfeiture against property connected to drug trafficking. These proceedings operate independently from criminal prosecutions. Defense attorneys challenge forfeiture by contesting the government’s evidence linking property to drug activity and by asserting innocent owner defenses for third parties.

How Liberty Law Group Defends Lincoln Drug Trafficking Cases

Drug trafficking prosecutions depend on evidence obtained through searches, seizures, surveillance, and witness testimony. Liberty Law Group scrutinizes each investigative step to identify constitutional violations and evidentiary weaknesses that create defense opportunities.

• Challenging Vehicle Stops and Searches: Officers must possess reasonable suspicion to initiate stops and probable cause or consent to search vehicles. Prolonging stops beyond the time necessary to address traffic violations violates the Fourth Amendment. Drug dog alerts require proper certification and deployment. 
• Attacking Search Warrants: Residential search warrants require probable cause supported by sworn affidavits describing specific criminal activity at specific locations. Defense attorneys scrutinize warrant applications for misrepresentations, omissions, stale information, and reliability problems with confidential informants. 
• Exposing Confidential Informant Problems: Drug investigations rely heavily on confidential informants. These witnesses have credibility issues, financial motivations to fabricate, and criminal histories that undermine their reliability. Defense attorneys can seek disclosure of informant identities, cross-examine informants regarding deals with prosecutors, and expose inconsistencies in their testimony.
• Challenging Conspiracy Charges: Federal drug conspiracy prosecutions under 21 U.S.C. § 846 allow prosecutors to charge multiple defendants based on agreements to distribute drugs, even when defendants never personally possessed drugs. Defense attorneys challenge conspiracy allegations by demonstrating lack of agreement, mere presence without participation, or withdrawal from conspiracies before substantive offenses occurred.
• Suppressing Electronic Surveillance: Federal drug investigations sometimes involve wiretaps, pen registers, GPS tracking, and other electronic surveillance. These investigative techniques require court authorization and compliance with strict statutory requirements. Defense attorneys review surveillance applications and implementation for legal deficiencies that require suppression.
• Negotiating Plea Agreements: Not every case proceeds to trial. Defense attorneys negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges, avoid mandatory minimums through substantial assistance agreements, or secure recommendations for downward departures from sentencing guidelines. 

What to Do After a Drug Trafficking Arrest in Lincoln

Drug trafficking arrests trigger intense pressure from law enforcement and prosecutors who seek statements, cooperation, and evidence to strengthen their cases against you and others.

Invoke Your Constitutional Rights Immediately

Invoke your right to remain silent and request an attorney. Drug trafficking investigations involve extensive questioning designed to elicit admissions about drug quantities, sources, buyers, and organizational roles. You have no legal obligation to answer these questions. Politely decline to answer and request a lawyer. Attempting to explain, minimize involvement, or cooperate without counsel creates recorded statements that prosecutors use to prove guilt and enhance sentences.

Do not consent to searches of vehicles, residences, phones, computers, or other property. If officers possessed legal grounds to search, they wouldn’t need consent. Declining consent protects Fourth Amendment rights and preserves suppression arguments. 

Avoid Discussing Your Case

Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney. Jail phone calls are recorded. Cellmates might testify against you in exchange for deals with prosecutors. Text messages, social media posts, and emails become evidence. Even communications with family members create discoverable statements that prosecutors use at trial. Limit all case discussions to privileged attorney-client communications.

Understand Cooperation Pressures

Prosecutors and law enforcement frequently pressure drug trafficking defendants to cooperate (provide information) in exchange for charge reductions or sentencing concessions. These decisions require careful legal analysis. Cooperation agreements bind defendants to strict obligations, require truthful and complete disclosure, and might place defendants in physical danger. 

Never agree to cooperate without first consulting an experienced criminal defense attorney who can evaluate risks, benefits, and alternatives.

FAQ for Lincoln Drug Trafficking Lawyers

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Drug Trafficking Charge in Lincoln?

Yes. Drug trafficking charges carry mandatory prison sentences, massive fines, asset forfeiture, and permanent felony convictions. An attorney scrutinizes search validity, challenges evidence, negotiates with prosecutors, and protects constitutional rights throughout the process. Early legal representation often determines case outcomes.

What Is the Difference Between Possession and Drug Trafficking?

Possession involves holding controlled substances for personal use. Trafficking involves distributing or possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances to others. Trafficking charges require evidence beyond mere possession (large quantities, packaging materials, scales, communications referencing sales) that demonstrate distribution intent.

Can a Drug Trafficking Charge Be Reduced or Dismissed?

Cases involving illegal searches, unconstitutional seizures, unreliable informants, or other evidentiary problems might result in suppressed evidence and dismissed charges. Cases with evidentiary weaknesses sometimes result in reduced charges through plea negotiations. Each case depends on specific facts and available defenses.

What Happens If I’m Charged With Federal Drug Trafficking?

Federal drug trafficking charges carry mandatory minimum sentences based on drug type and quantity, with limited judicial discretion. Cases proceed in United States District Court, where federal prosecutors possess extensive resources and pursue harsh penalties. Defense requires attorneys experienced in federal criminal procedure and sentencing guidelines.

Will I Go to Prison for Drug Trafficking in Nebraska?

Prison sentences depend on drug type, quantity, prior convictions, and whether charges are state or federal. Nebraska state charges carry one to 50 years for first offenses. Federal charges carry mandatory minimums ranging from five to 10 years for quantities exceeding statutory thresholds. Defense attorneys work to reduce charges, avoid mandatory minimums, or secure alternatives to incarceration.

Can Police Search My Car or House in a Drug Trafficking Investigation?

Police must possess probable cause and, in most circumstances, obtain warrants before searching vehicles or residences. Consent searches are valid only when freely and voluntarily given. Searches incident to arrest permit limited examination of areas within immediate control. Defense attorneys challenge searches that violated Fourth Amendment protections, seeking suppression of illegally obtained evidence.

Contact a Liberty Law Group Drug Trafficking Attorney in Lincoln, NE 

Drug trafficking charges threaten decades of imprisonment, hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, asset forfeiture, and permanent felony convictions that eliminate employment opportunities and constitutional rights. 

Liberty Law Group defends individuals facing state and federal drug trafficking charges in Lancaster County and federal courts, challenging search validity, suppressing illegally obtained evidence, and fighting to protect your freedom and future. 

Federal and state drug investigations move quickly, and statements made before retaining counsel become evidence prosecutors use against you. Contact Liberty Law Group immediately at (531) 249-5534 to schedule a free, confidential consultation and begin building your defense today.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Liberty Law Group – Lincoln Office