Drug Crimes

While the possession of small amounts of an illegal substance may be handled by a state court, federal drug crimes refer to greater offenses, like possession with the intention to distribute, sale, trafficking, manufacturing, or cultivation of illegal drugs. Furthermore, the law also prosecutes the production of controlled substances in a severe manner, as it is often incentive for other types of punishable behaviors, such as drug cartels, organized crime, and gangs. Only a competent criminal defense attorney is capable of either eliminating or reducing the charges brought upon an individual with relation to drug offenses. Drug offenses jeopardize the future and emotional welfare of an individual and should be treated with a notion of urgency.

If you or a loved one is being investigated for a federal state or drug offense, you need an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who will fight just as hard to protect you and your rights. Victoria attorney Sierra Hatley has unmatched experience and knowledge at both the state and federal levels to help people who find themselves accused of this serious crime.

Federal Drug Crimes

What is the penalty for a federal drug crime?

Federal crimes are even more serious because often the penalties are much harsher. The penalty for a federal drug crime will vary depending on a series of factors taken into consideration by federal prosecutors. In addition, for many federal drug offenses, the judge has no discretion to give lighter sentencing and there are limited opportunities for probation and parole. Some of the factors that will affect the severity of the punishment include:

·       Type and quantity of the drug involved (the greater the quantity, the more likelihood that distribution will be imputed to the defendant)

·       Criminal history of the defendant

·       How the drug is being used (personal use, intent to distribute, manufacturing, etc.)

·       Involvement of second and third parties (conspiracy, organized crime, etc.)

·       Possession of Illegal substances, Penalties, and Prescription Drugs

Although federal and state governments prosecute any type of illegal substance, the four most looked-after, in addition to prescription medications, include:

·       Marijuana: Under federal law, the possession of marijuana, regardless of the amount, may be punishable by a minimum of $1000 for a first conviction and sometimes a minimum of 10 years in jail.

·       Cocaine and Heroin:  The penalties for possession of cocaine or heroin are more severe than those adjudicated for the possession of marijuana.

·       Ecstasy: Although not as common as marijuana and cocaine, the possession of even a gram of ecstasy can be punishable by several years in state prison.

·       Prescription Drugs:  There is a great misperception that just because a drug is issued by a pharmacy, it’s okay to possess and it will not be criminalized. Even the possession of a couple of grams of prescription medications, without a proper or valid prescription, may result in a felony charge with a range of 2 to 15 years in state court, and a minimum of 10 years in federal prison. Some of the prescription drugs most prosecuted include Vicodin, Xanax, and Oxycodone.

When a Little Turns into Too Much

Many people have the misconception that possessing a “small” amount of an illegal substance will not have great repercussions. However, the definition of “small” is not the same for people as it is for federal and state prosecutors. At the state level, even an amount of as little as four grams of cocaine may be categorized as a first-degree felony, the same level of felony as murder, aggravated sexual assault of a child, and aggravated robbery.

What Sierra Hatley Can Do in a Drug Offense Case

Qualified and experienced attorneys like Sierra Hatley can eliminate or reduce the drug charges against a client. Because law enforcement often oversteps its boundaries, the team at Hatley Law will zealously fight the accuracy of the government’s evidence and find the instances in which government agents violated the Constitutional rights that protect you against illegal searches and seizures. Sierra Hatley is greatly acquainted with federal and state drug laws and can use her experience to defend your case and help you rectify the damages that charges can cause to your future, career, and family.

Contact Hatley Law today to obtain competent legal advice and representation by calling the Victoria Office at (361) 333-5620.