How Many Years in Prison Can You Get for Trafficking Fentanyl?

With fentanyl abuse creating a severe public health emergency in Wisconsin and throughout the U.S., lawmakers have passed laws imposing harsh sanctions on individuals who traffic fentanyl into or around Wisconsin. Depending on the facts of a defendant’s case, a person may face years or decades in prison for trafficking fentanyl.

State Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking

Under Wisconsin law, the grading of a fentanyl trafficking offense also depends on the quantity of drugs involved in a defendant’s case. A case involving 10 grams of fentanyl or less constitutes a Class E felony; more than 10 grams but less than 50 grams constitutes a Class D felony; more than 50 grams constitutes a Class C felony. Penalties for fentanyl trafficking convictions under state law include:

• Class E Felony – Up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $50,000, or both
• Class D Felony – Up to 25 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both
• Class C Felony – Up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both
  

Potential Aggravating Factors

State and federal laws may impose additional or enhanced penalties for aggravating factors in a fentanyl trafficking case. For example, defendants may receive enhanced sentences or additional criminal charges if the fentanyl they distributed causes someone’s death from an overdose. Defendants may also face sentencing enhancements if they possess or use firearms in connection with their trafficking activities or if they have prior criminal convictions for drug offenses.

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you’ve been arrested and charged with fentanyl trafficking, you may face significant consequences if convicted. You need experienced legal advice and advocacy from a drug charges defense lawyer to guide you through your case. Contact Cohen Law Offices today for a confidential consultation with Attorney Cohen and his team to discuss your options for pursuing a favorable resolution to your charges.