Federal Drug Charges - The Facts You Need to Know

If you are caught with drugs in Texas, you will likely be facing state charges. However, if the amount of drugs is significant or if you are accused of drug trafficking, you could be facing federal drug crime charges. Federal drug charges are much more serious than state charges and come with much harsher penalties. 

Being charged with a drug offense is a serious matter. If you are facing federal drug charges, you may be wondering what will happen to you and what your options are. This blog post will provide you with some basic information about federal drug charges so that you can make informed decisions about your case.

• What are federal drug offenses?
• What Happens When You Are Charged with a Federal crime?
• What Are The Penalties For A Federal Drug Charge?
• The Consequences of a Conviction
• Defend yourself from federal drug trafficking charges

Federal drug offenses are criminal offenses that are prosecuted by the federal government. These offenses can include possession of drugs, manufacturing of drugs, and trafficking of drugs. Federal drug charges are serious offenses that can come with harsh penalties, including prison time.

Some types of drugs are more commonly associated with federal drug charges than others. These drugs include:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Methamphetamine
• Any controlled substance listed in the Controlled Substances Act

These are among the most commonly trafficked drugs in the United States. If you are caught with any of these drugs, you could be facing federal charges.

When charged with federal drug crimes, you will be arrested and taken into custody. You will then have a bail hearing where a judge will determine whether or not you can be released on bail. If you are released on bail, you will have to follow certain conditions set by the court.

If you are not released on bail, you will be held in custody until your trial. If you are convicted of a federal drug crime, you will be sentenced by a judge. The sentence you receive will depend on the severity of the offense and your criminal history.

The majority of drug cases in the United States are prosecuted by state governments. However, there are certain circumstances in which the federal government will get involved. Some examples of when this might happen include:

• The drug is part of a large Operation: If law enforcement is investigating a drug ring or drug trafficking organization, anyone caught with drugs as part of that operation will be charged federally. 

• You have a Previous Criminal Record: If you have previously been convicted of a felony, you will automatically be charged federally if caught with drugs again. 

• The Type of Drug Involved: Some drugs, like methamphetamine, are only federally regulated. This means that if you are caught with meth, you will be charged by the federal government regardless of the amount found. Controlled substances also fall under this category.

• The Amount of Drugs Involved: Generally speaking, the larger the amount of drugs found, the more likely it is that you will be federally charged. This is because large quantities are usually indicative of the intent to distribute or sell. 

Specifically, what happens after you are arrested depends on the offense you are charged with and the evidence the government has against you. If you are charged with a federal drug crime, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible so they can start building your defense.

Federal law provides for a wide range of penalties for drug offenses. The specific penalty you face will depend on the offense you are convicted of, your criminal history, and other factors. However, some of the possible penalties for federal drug charges include:

• Jail Time: You could be sentenced to time in a federal prison. The amount of time you serve will depend on the offense you are convicted of. 
• Probation: You may be placed on probation instead of or in addition to serving time in prison. Probation typically lasts for a few years and requires you to follow certain conditions, such as meeting with a probation officer and passing drug tests. 
• Fines: You may be required to pay a fine. The amount of the fine will depend on the offense you are convicted of. 
• Asset Forfeiture: If the government believes that your assets were purchased with money earned from illegal drug activity, they may seize them. 
• Deportation: If you are not a United States citizen, you may be deported if convicted of a federal drug crime. 

Federal drug laws are complex, and the penalties you face if convicted can be severe. That is why it is so important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney if you are facing federal drug charges. An attorney can review the facts of your case and help you build the best defense possible against a federal drug offense.

So, what are some convictions to a federal drug charge?

If you are convicted of a federal drug charge, you could be facing up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1 million. The sentence you receive will depend on various factors such as your criminal history and the type and amount of drug involved in the offense.  You may also have your assets seized by the government if they believe they were purchased with money earned from illegal drug activity. If you are not a United States citizen, you could also be deported if convicted of a federal drug crime.

Federal drug trafficking offenses can also result in mandatory minimum sentences. This means that if you are convicted of a drug trafficking offense, you will be required to serve a minimum amount of time in prison. The mandatory minimum sentences for drug trafficking offenses range from 5 years to life in prison, depending on the offense and the amount of drug involved.

If you have a prior felony drug conviction, you could be facing up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $2 million.

A conviction for a drug offense can have serious consequences. You may be facing jail time, large fines, and a criminal record.

If you are convicted of a federal drug offense, you will have a criminal record. This can make it difficult to find a job, rent an apartment, or get a loan. A criminal record can also make it difficult to travel outside of the United States or, if you are not a United States citizen, to enter the United States.

A conviction can also result in the seizure of your assets by the government. If the government believes that your assets were purchased with money earned from illegal drug activity, they may seize them.

In addition, if you are not a United States citizen, you could be deported if convicted of a federal drug crime.

It is important to note that these are just some of the possible consequences of a federal drug conviction. The actual penalties you face will depend on the offense you are convicted of, your criminal history, and other factors.

Federal drug charges are serious business and should not be taken lightly. If you find yourself facing federal charges, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. An attorney can help you understand the charges against you and mount a strong defense on your behalf.

At The Law Office of Rolando Cantu, we have experience handling federal drug cases. We understand the ins and outs of the criminal justice system and will work diligently to get you the best possible outcome in your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.