Fighting Your Federal Drug Charges Lawyer
The penalties for federal drug charges are typically more severe than for state drug charges. If you have been charged with drug trafficking, or other federal drug crimes, the Strom Law Firm, LLC is here to help. Former U.S. Attorney Pete Strom’s experience in dealing with government investigations provides the experience that you need when you are faced with an arrest or investigation.
The most common federal drug charges are drug trafficking charges or distribution across state lines and typically involve large amounts of drugs. There are also federal sentencing guidelines established for federal drug charges which make the consequences more serious, with limited opportunities for probation. Our lawyers include a former United States Attorney and 5th Circuit Assistant Solicitor, and a former public defender. Call for a consultation today to discuss your case and find out how our decades of experience practicing law and protecting the rights of our clients can help you.
What Are Federal Drug Trafficking Offenses?
Federal drug cases typically involve large quantities of drugs and usually a conspiracy involving several different people engaged in the manufacture, distribution, or trafficking of drugs. The laws surrounding federal drug charges are established by Congress and most federal drug crimes carry heavier sentencing. While many people assume drug trafficking involves the actual transport of illegal drugs over state lines, you can also be charged with it based on the amount of drugs found in your possession. The amounts that trigger a trafficking charge, as opposed to a possession charge, are different for each type of drug. Civil forfeiture of assets is usually an issue in these cases.
Prescription drug abuse problems have risen in recent years and it’s important to know that trafficking laws can also apply to the illegal sale and transport of prescription drugs.
Federal drug cases are complicated and can usually involve several federal investigators, co-conspirators, undercover informants, as well as testimony from co-conspirators who may have cut a deal in exchange for information that led to other arrests, including possibly your own.
The Strom Law Firm, LLC understands the laws, court procedures, and strategies used by government prosecutors to secure convictions in federal drug cases. We are experienced in dealing with government investigations and our familiarity with prosecutorial techniques and federal law will help us aggressively fight to have your charges reduced or even dismissed.
Challenging Your Federal Drug Charge
Given that most drug cases involve a search and seizure, we will analyze all of the evidence to determine how to present the most effective defense possible through our familiarity with the Federal Judicial Process and South Carolina’s criminal law. We will look at the information and testimony given by undercover informants and co-conspirators who may have given evidence against you to determine its legitimacy.
We will consider whether entrapment played a role in your arrest. Since drug trafficking charges often rely on the amount of drugs, we will look at the figures and analysis from the labs to ensure they are not faulty or inaccurate. As soon as we know the particulars of your case, we can begin to determine the best course of action to protect your rights.
Every case is different and we will look at every possible avenue of defense as we build your case and fight for you. The sooner you call for your free consultation, the sooner we can begin to understand all the specifics of your case and start building your defense.
The Federal Drug Crimes Handled by the Strom Law Firm, LLC
Our Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers represent individuals charged with federal drug crimes including:
- Importing controlled substances
- Manufacturing methamphetamine “meth,” marijuana, or cocaine
- Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute
- Possession with Intent to Distribute large quantities of drugs
Charges related to drug trafficking can also include:
- False Statement Violations (1001 Violations): 1001 Violation, or making a false statement to a Federal agent, is the most common crime we handle in the SC Federal Court.
- Racketeering: Racketeering is punishable under federal and state RICO laws designed to crack down on organized crime.
- Smuggling: Involves the illegal transport of drugs across state or national borders.
- Laundering Money: The process of hiding the origins of illegally obtained money by passing it through banking transfers or commercial transactions.
- Aiding and/or Abetting: Anyone who counsels, aids, commands, or otherwise helps in the commission of a federal crime is punishable as though they committed the crime.
- Conspiracy: When two or more people agree to commit a crime and take action towards its completion.
The charges related to federal drug crimes are far-reaching and involve many complexities. It is extremely important that you obtain an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows what the government must prove in order to secure a conviction. The criminal defense attorneys at Strom Law Firm, LLC have years of experience defending cases and we know the tactics the government can use to secure convictions.
Why It’s Critical to Obtain Effective Representation in a Federal Drug Charge
Federal drug charges are serious and can lead to severe consequences. Many federal drug charges carry heavy mandatory sentences with limited opportunities for probation or parole. Currently 45% of inmates in federal prison are there due to drug offenses. Getting an effective and experienced representation for your case is critical.
Due to the complex nature of federal drug charges, it is imperative that you launch a strong defense from the beginning. Our team at the Strom Law Firm, LLC is experienced in defending clients who are facing stiff penalties due to federal drug charges. Contact us today for a free consultation to see how we can help.
What Are the Punishments for Federal Drug Crimes?
The penalties for those convicted of federal drug crimes can be severe and are generally longer than the penalties imposed by the state for drug crimes. Sentencing for federal drug crimes depends on many factors, including the type and amount of the drugs involved, the criminal record of the convicted, any injuries or deaths that occurred in relation to the crime, and any other crimes involved. Prison sentences can range from one year to life imprisonment. You may be entitled to a sentence reduction through a motion for downward departure or Rule 35 motion.
The highest penalties are for drugs classified under Schedules I and II of the Controlled Substances Act, which include drugs such as heroin, cocaine, LSD, methamphetamines, and marijuana. For example, convictions involving a kilogram of heroin, 5 kilograms of cocaine, or 50 grams of meth are punishable with a minimum 10-year prison sentence. If the offense resulted in a death or serious injury, that minimum goes up to 20 years. If the offender has a prior felony, a 20-year sentence can also be imposed. And if the offender has two or more prior felony drug convictions, that sentence goes up to life imprisonment.
Fines in federal drug trafficking cases are also extremely severe. For many offenses, the fines levied against a person convicted of drug trafficking charges are in excess of $1 million. For example, a first-offense conviction for trafficking 50 grams of fentanyl can result in a fine of $2 million.
Remember that nearly half of all prisoners in the federal prison system are there because of drug offenses. Even if your sentence is relatively light, you will still have to deal with the repercussions of a conviction on your record which can harm your professional career, your livelihood, and your reputation. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side is critical. We offer free consultations with our experienced and knowledgeable drug crime lawyers so you can discuss your case and find out how we will fight to avoid these lengthy and costly punishments possibly with a plea bargain.
Getting Arrested And Charged With a Crime Does Not Mean You Are Guilty
If you are charged with a crime, you are innocent until proven guilty. It becomes the government’s burden to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. For experienced attorneys who will fight for you and protect your rights, contact the criminal defense attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, LLC today. We offer a free consultation to discuss your arrest, possible defenses, and what you may be facing. Call us today at 803-252-4800 to discuss it or to schedule your free consultation at our Columbia, SC office.
