What Are the Penalties for Federal Drug Charges?
Drug charges of all stripes are likely to frighten the person who is facing them, but charges at the federal level seem to be at a higher caliber. When the federal government is after you, you might want to talk to a lawyer. That’s because the penalties for federal crimes are often more severe than state charges.
Federal drug charges are nearly always charged as felonies, and as you already know, felonies can destroy your life. If a felony goes on your record, it stays there forever. It will affect your chances for employment; it can impact where you can live; a felony can cause you to lose some of your rights.
It’s important you know what you’re facing if convicted of a federal drug crime so you can make informed decisions about your case. You need to know all of your options, as well.
Different Types of Federal Drug Charges
What types of drug crimes could you be charged with? There are several different types of drug charges you could face, and the type of crime you get charged with depends on the circumstances of your case.
For instance, if you are manufacturing and transporting drugs across state lines, you are likely to face more serious charges than if you are manufacturing drugs for your own personal use.
Here are some types of federal drug crimes:
- Possession of illegal drugs
- Possession of illegal drugs with the intent to sell/deliver
- Manufacturing drugs
- Transportation of illegal drugs
- Importation of illegal drugs
- Conspiracy to commit a drug offense
Penalties You Could Face if Convicted
The penalties for committing a federal drug crime are decided based on the quantity you’re allegedly in possession of, the type of drug, and whether this is a first offense or not. For instance, if you’re in possession of 100 grams of heroin, you could receive a prison term of not less than five years. That term could be increased to ten years if it’s a second offense.
If you’re in possession of 500 grams of powder cocaine, you could receive a five-year term in prison or longer. That term could be lengthened to ten years or more in prison if you’re in possession of five kilograms.
How a Drug Lawyer Might Be Able to Help
As you can see, the penalties range, but they are usually serious. A lawyer might be able to help you avoid the above-described penalties by aiding you in your efforts to beat a federal drug charge.
Defenses against drug crime conviction do exist. Your lawyer can look into your case to see what defenses are available, and then they can help you fight for your future and your freedom.
Some common defenses include:
- Innocence
- Lack of evidence
- Illegal search and seizure
- Drug lab errors
- Entrapment
Get in Touch with a Federal Drug Charge Lawyer
Reach out to a federal drug charge attorney to get started building your defense. Chris Lewis & Associates, P.C. can be reached via the internet contact form below, or you can dial 214-665-6930.
