Success Stories
- California: Client charged with Disorderly Conduct and Obstruction of justice after being beaten by police – CASE DISMISSED
- Indiana: Client charged with felony theft charge for allegedly stealing from a department store – CHARGES DROPPED
- Virginia: Client charged with being an accessory to shoplifting on a US military base – CHARGES DISMISSED
- Florida: 14 year-old client accused of molesting his 4 year-old adopted sister – CHARGES DISMISSED
Federal Drug Charges
Both state and federal laws cover criminal activities involving drugs. These two sets of laws have some overlap, but they are not mirror images of each other. Moreover, the federal justice system is not simply a larger version of the states' criminal justice systems. A person who is being charged with a federal drug crime or who is under suspicion or investigation for a federal drug crime needs legal representation by attorneys who are specifically experienced in both state and federal drug laws.
The criminal defense law firm of Imhoff & Associates has the knowledge and expertise necessary to obtain the best outcome for individuals who have been charged with a federal drug crime. Contact us now for a free consultation.
Types of Federal Drug Crimes
Federal drug laws pertain to the possession, distribution, sale, trafficking, cultivation, and manufacturing of various controlled substances. These drugs include marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, a number of narcotic-based drugs that much of the public would not think of as being covered by drug crime statutes, such as Oxycodone and Vicodin, and more.
Marijuana Possession and Distribution
Under federal law, the possession of any amount of marijuana is punishable by up to one year in jail and a minimum fine of $1,000 for a first conviction. Further convictions and greater amounts of marijuana result in much stiffer penalties.
The sale of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana (the smallest amount category) is a felony under federal law, punishable by five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Cocaine and Heroin Possession and Distribution
The federal penalties for possessing drugs such as cocaine and heroin are more severe than those for marijuana, and the penalties for the sale or distribution of these "harder" drugs are can include a life sentence. Several factors are considered when an individual is being charged with a drug crime such as possession or distribution of cocaine or heroin, including the quantity of drug involved (the greater the quantity, the more likelihood that distribution will be imputed to the defendant), the prior criminal history of the defendant, the use or possession of weapons by the defendant, and whether minors were involved.
Drug Trafficking
Transporting controlled substances over a state line or over a country's border is considered drug trafficking, a federal crime for which the penalties are especially severe. The death penalty is a possible federal punishment for drug "kingpins."
Penalties for Federal Drug Crimes
For many federal drug crimes there are mandatory sentences; the judge does not have any discretion to give lighter sentences. In addition, the federal system provides only limited opportunities for probation following a conviction on a drug crime. There is also no parole in the federal justice system.
What a Federal Drug Attorney Can Do
As federal drug crime defense attorneys, Imhoff & Associates work to get the charges against a client eliminated or reduced. Whether at the investigative stage, during pre-trial negotiations with the U.S. Attorney's Office or at trial, our attorneys seize every opportunity to find all weaknesses in the government's case.
For example, we often aggressively fight the admissibility and sufficiency of the government's evidence, the accuracy of drug test results, and illegal searches and seizures. If you're under investigation or have been charged with a federal drug crime, contact Imhoff & Associates, P.C. for a confidential consultation about your criminal defense needs.