The United States’ “War on Drugs” has led to vigorous prosecution of all drug crimes, including drug distribution, cultivation, and manufacture of a controlled substance. Penalties vary based on the severity of the crime, but for those charged with federal drug crimes, the best recourse for a strong defense is to hire a skilled Virginia federal drug lawyer.
If you are charged with federal drug crimes, you have options for preparing a defense. A federal crime defense attorney with experience in federal trafficking cases can assist you in weighing your options and developing a strong strategy aimed at minimizing the impact of a federal criminal charge. You can build an aggressive defense with sound legal counsel.
Understanding the Severity of Drug Trafficking in Virginia
Drug trafficking involves the manufacturing, importing, exporting, sale, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance. The drugs trafficked can include commonly used illegal street drugs including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and illegal prescription drugs.
A person can face penalties for drug trafficking if they possess the drugs and the prosecutor can prove they manufactured the drugs or intended to sell them. A Virginia federal drug lawyer would agree that possession with intent to distribute is a serious offense, wherein the intent is considered as much a criminal act as the actual distribution or sale.
When facing charges for federal offenses including drug trafficking, the penalty is determined by the facts of the case and the federal sentencing guidelines. Severe sentences for federal drug trafficking and related crimes has resulted due to the government’s efforts to curb illegal drug use and drug-related crime within the country.
Most penalties and restrictions related to federal drug manufacturing and trafficking charges are outlined in Title 18 U.S. Code Section 841, while conspiracy to commit such crimes can be found in Title 18 U.S. Code Section 846. A Virginia federal drug attorney can help you obtain an understanding on how the federal sentencing guidelines work, as well as the different aggravating and mitigating factors that may play a role in these cases.
A Virginia federal drug attorney can help you obtain an understanding on how the federal sentencing guidelines work, as well as the different aggravating and mitigating factors that may play a role in these cases.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Under the federal sentencing guidelines, drug trafficking convictions carry some of the harshest mandatory minimum sentences.
For example, if you are convicted for trafficking more than five grams of meth, 100 grams of heroin, or 500 grams of powder cocaine, you will face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison.
For a second offense, the prison sentence increases to 10 years. It is important to remember that these are minimum sentences, so you can receive more time. A conviction may lead to a prison sentence greater than five years for the first offense or 10 years for the second offense depending on the nature of the case and the sentencing judge.
Our Virginia federal drug lawyers will work hard to advocate for your best interest. We work to protect our clients from unfair or inflated charges and to help them avoid a mandatory minimum sentence.
When you initially suspect you are under investigation for a federal drug crime or you are first charged with drug trafficking, the thought of spending five or more years in a federal prison can be frightening. You need an experienced and aggressive attorney to assist you in facing these federal charges head on, exploring your options, and mounting the best defense possible.
Contact Our Virginia Federal Drug Attorneys Today
If you are facing federal drug charges, an experienced federal drug attorney in Virginia who has handled cases involving federal drug manufacturing and trafficking allegations can be your best ally. Federal drug laws are extremely harsh, and federal trafficking charges carry lengthy prison sentences with significant fines. Call us today.
