Charlotte Federal Drug Charges Defense Lawyers

Federal drug crimes are incredibly serious, even more serious than North Carolina drug charges. Defendants can face federal drug charges for any drug, from marijuana and prescription drugs to cocaine and methamphetamine. Typically, prosecutors will bring federal drug charges when the defendant transfers drugs across state lines, is in possession of large quantities of drugs, or if the offense takes place on federally owned property.

The most commonly prosecuted federal drug charges are drug trafficking and distributing illegal drugs. However, simple drug possession, manufacturing, and other drug offenses can constitute a federal crime when the amount of drugs is significant.

If you are facing a federal drug crime charge, you need to hire a skilled lawyer as soon as possible. Federal prosecutors have extensive resources to put into prosecuting defendants. Most federal drug crime convictions result in a minimum of five years of imprisonment. Additionally, federal judges are required to impose mandatory minimum sentencing in some cases. They cannot give a defendant a less serious sentence than the mandatory minimum sentence, in many cases. If you are facing a federal drug crime charge, our skilled lawyers can help. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC as soon as possible to schedule your free initial consultation.

Cocaine use is prevalent in the United States. According to the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 1.9 million people in the United States over the age of 18 are currently using cocaine. “Currently using cocaine” is defined as having used cocaine in the past month. Most of the people in the survey who stated that they use cocaine used cocaine between two and 20 times in the past year alone. Indeed, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health confirms that 3.3% of all white Americans have used cocaine and 5% of all black Americans over the age of 18 have used cocaine.

Cocaine charges are some of the most common federal drug charges. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, our lawyers have experience representing clients in defending against federal cocaine charges. Cocaine is a Schedule II controlled substance under the federal drug code. Federal prosecutors take the following cocaine charges very seriously:

• Cocaine possession
• Cocaine trafficking
• Cocaine importation
• Cocaine sales

If you are caught with cocaine on your person, in any amount, you could face a federal drug crime charge. If you are convicted of possession of 500 grams of cocaine or more, you will receive a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. If you are convicted of possession of more than five kilograms of cocaine, you will face a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 10 years. If you are convicted of crack cocaine possession with 280 grams or more, you will also face up to a 10-year prison sentence.

There are many different forms of the drug methamphetamine. Crystal meth is a popular and the most widely known illegal form of methamphetamine. Methamphetamine charges often include several separate charges, each with their own penalties. For example, when federal investigators bust a “meth house,” those involved often face charges for possession, manufacturing, and possession with intent to distribute. If law enforcement catches a defendant with at least five grams of pure meth, or 50 grams of a mixture containing meth, that person will face a minimum sentence of 10 years of imprisonment. Depending on the facts in your particular case, you may be facing 10 years or more of prison time for methamphetamine-related charges.

Sometimes prosecutors bring overly aggressive drug trafficking charges. If so, you may be able to seek a drug trafficking sentence reduction. It is important to discuss your options with a qualified federal drug crime lawyer as soon as possible. Under this federal law, a court has a right to modify your term of imprisonment if:

• Compelling and extraordinary reasons warrant a reduction in the sentencing
• You are 70 years or older and have served the last 30 years in prison, and you are not a danger to anyone in the community, or
• The Sentencing Commission has lowered the sentencing range for the offenses of which you are convicted.

If you are facing a federal drug charge in Charlotte, you need representation as soon as possible. At Arnold & Smith, PLLC, we have the experience and knowledge you need to fight your federal drug charges. We will be with you throughout the entire process, fighting for your rights.Contact our federal drug crime charge lawyers as soon as possible to schedule your free, initial consultation.