Federal Conspiracy & Drug Charges
Federal Conspiracy and Drug Charge Defense Attorneys
Federal drug charges are one of the most challenging crimes for anyone to face because of the strict penalties and priority the federal government puts on them. The federal authorities take drug crimes so seriously because not only are drugs dangerous to the individuals who ingest them but drug trafficking is most often done to raise money for other illegal activities, such as the purchase of firearms and terrorist activity. Many other violent and dangerous crimes can be uncovered through drug busts. If you’re facing federal drug charges, contact our team at Estrada & Puente, P.L.L.C. in Dallas, TX today. Like any other charge against you, it’s imperative you have experienced counsel on your side.
Not All Drug Crimes and Substances Are Treated the Same
Drug charges of any kind are difficult to handle, and the authorities will be tough on you. However, the type of drug your charges includes will fall into one of five different schedules based on the drug’s addiction rate, the psychological effects, and what scientists currently understand about the drug. For example, marijuana and heroin are schedule one drugs, while cocaine and morphine are schedule two. In addition to different drug schedules, the actual crimes fall into different categories as well.
It is illegal to grow, sell, transport, distribute, possess, or traffic marijuana under federal law. Cultivation of marijuana includes possession of seeds, planting seeds, drying plants, and processing. A minimum of two plants is all that is required to be charged with cultivation.
Bringing any illegal drugs into the United States from another country is considered drug importation and will often be tied to drug trafficking charges. These charges can mean lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines.
Any production or preparation of illegal drugs to be sold to a consumer will result in a manufacturing charge. Even being in possession of laboratory glassware or chemical solvents used for production where the value of the supplies totals more than $100 will result in a manufacturing charge. This can include everything from growing marijuana to operating a methamphetamine lab.
Being in possession of drugs or paraphernalia can often be combined with other drug charges such as cultivation, manufacturing, or smuggling. Common drugs involved in these cases include marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, and prescription drugs. The penalties will depend on which type of drugs are involved and how much.
Smuggling drugs of any kind can lead to imprisonment, significant fines, court costs, and probation. It is one of the most severe types of criminal drug charges.
A drug trafficking conviction can land a person in prison for up to 40 years. The final punishment will depend on previous criminal history, the type and amount of drugs, other illegal activities such as possession of weapons, cash, and how many states or country borders were crossed.
Federal Drug Conspiracy Charges
Drug conspiracy crimes are among the most frequent charges individuals face involving illegal drug activity. The problem this type of charge poses for individuals is that no offense has to be committed to issue drug conspiracy charges. A conspiracy is like a partnership or agreement on a business deal. The difference is that instead of a legal business deal, the individuals conspire to commit crimes. With conspiracy charges, individuals are held accountable for their own actions and those committed to others involved in the conspiracy. Any person who attempts to or conspires to violate federal drug laws can be charged and face up to life in prison.
Speak With a Federal Drug Defense Lawyer
If you’re facing federal drug or conspiracy charges, you should take these charges very seriously, as the federal government will likely plan to prosecute to the fullest extent allowed by law. The first thing you should do is contact our team of defense lawyers at Estrada & Puente, P.L.L.C. in Dallas, TX to discuss your case. When you retain our services for legal counsel, we will immediately get to work on gathering evidence to do everything we can to reduce charges, minimize penalties, and get the best outcome for your case.