Characteristics Of Federal Drug Crime Charges
The same types of drugs, such as heroin, fentanyl and marijuana, are named in both state and federal drug crime cases. The same activities – possession, possession with intent, manufacture and distribution – also appear in state and federal charges. The differences typically have to do with degree, location, prosecution and penalties. Federal drug crime cases typically involve one or more of the following distinctions.
- The alleged crimes cross state lines and/or occur on federal property.
- The alleged amounts of drugs seized in an arrest are significant, often measured in pounds rather than ounces.
- The large amounts involved allegedly indicate that distribution, rather than personal use, was a primary objective.
- The offenses involved firearms and/or association with other federal crimes.
- One or more federal agencies, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), have investigated and the U.S. Attorney’s office prosecutes the case.
- Penalties tend to be more severe and rigid, including incarceration in a federal prison rather than a local jail or state prison.
- state prison.
We are aggressive, diligent defenders of people charged with federal drug crimes as well as state-level offenses. Our experience includes representation of clients undergoing grand jury investigations and indictments. Whenever possible, we seek to have federal charges reclassified as state charges, to lessen the likely imposition of minimum sentencing guidelines.
