Many drug charges carry not only severe criminal penalties, but even an accusation can ruin your reputation within your community and your family. When those charges reach the federal level, the impact on your life can be devastating. Facing accusations of federal drug crimes requires serious and dedicated legal representation to protect yourself.
At Suzuki Law Offices, our legal team is made up of former prosecutors who bring insight and knowledge to diligently defend against all manner of criminal accusations. When you need a tenacious and compassionate Glendale federal crimes lawyer to protect your rights and freedoms, the choice is clear. Contact our law firm today to schedule your free consultation with your Glendale federal drug crimes lawyer and take back control of your life.
Drug Crimes that Can Be Charged at the Federal Level
Any drug crime that you can be accused of that rises to the level of federal charges must meet certain criteria. Usually, simple possession charges may not qualify as federal charges. For a drug crime to result in federal charges, some factors that should be present include:
- Transporting illegal drugs across state lines may result in federal drug trafficking charges
- Manufacturing or cultivating illegal drugs on national lands, such as national parks or land under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
- Possession of illegal drugs outside of your home state may result in federal charges
It is important to remember that even though marijuana has been legalized for medical or recreational use or decriminalized in certain states, it remains on the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) list of controlled substances. If you are the target of an investigation by the DEA, regardless of the substance in question, the charges brought may be at the federal level. Your criminal defense lawyer in Glendale with Suzuki Law Offices has extensive experience dealing with federal agencies.
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Get StartedDrug Classifications Designated by the DEA
Since the passing of the Controlled Substances Act in 1971, the DEA has listed substances, compounds, and known drugs under its Scheduling system. Although most drugs are classified by name, some substances that can be considered comparable may result in charges with their associated scheduled drugs. Although constantly evolving, the current Drug Schedule includes:
- Schedule I – These are substances that have no valid medical use and have a high probability of addiction, abuse, or physical dependence, such as heroin, LSD, and the drug commonly known as ecstasy
- Schedule II – These are substances that have limited medical use but still have an extremely high chance of physical dependence and abuse, including fentanyl, cocaine, and oxycodone, which have been being manufactured illegally in counterfeit, resulting in millions of pills being seized by the DEA
- Schedule III – These substances have accepted medical use and a moderate to low risk of addiction or psychological dependence, including anabolic steroids, ketamine, and prescription drugs containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine
- Schedule IV – The drugs have a moderate to low risk of addiction and abuse but are generally medically accepted, including Tramadol, Ativan, and Xanax
- Schedule V – These are drugs that have a low potential for abuse and addiction, including cough suppressants with codeine and other prescription analgesic medications
While you may be accused of federal drug charges involving substances in any of these categories, most federal investigations involve well-known drugs such as cocaine, heroin, counterfeit prescription drugs, and, more recently, fentanyl. There may be additional aggravating factors that result in violence against victims that could induce a federal investigation. At Suzuki Law Offices, we cover many different types of criminal defense where you may need services that can be offered by a Glendale violent crimes lawyer.
Abogado cerca de míFederal Drug Trafficking Penalties Can Ruin Your Life
While other drug crimes can be elevated to federal charges, the most common is federal drug trafficking. This involves the transportation, distribution, and selling of illegal drugs and their associated base chemicals. According to the Federal Trafficking Penalties table from the DEA, convictions for trafficking of the drugs and their associated punishments can include:
- 100-999 grams of heroin results in a minimum federal prison term of at least five years for a first offense or at least 10 years for a second offense
- 500-4999 grams of cocaine will result in at least five years for a first offense and at least 10 years for a second offense
These minimum federal prison terms are only the beginning of the consequences you could face for a federal drug trafficking conviction. Larger amounts can result in even harsher penalties with possible life imprisonment terms, which could destroy your life. When facing consequences this severe, it is clear that you need a federal drug crimes attorney in Glendale to protect your rights.
Defense Strategies Are Critical When Facing Federal Drug Crime Charges
When you may be imprisoned for years, or even the rest of your life, a powerful defense strategy is essential to clearing your name. Investigating the circumstances of your arrest, whether your civil rights were violated at any time, and challenging the prosecution’s evidence against you can all assist your Glendale federal crimes lawyer in building the strongest defense possible against these frightening accusations. With the stigma attached to drug charges, our law firm will work tirelessly to protect your privacy, civil rights, and your reputation.
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Connect with Your Top-Rated Federal Drug Crimes Attorney in Glendale Today
With its proximity to the border, Arizona has developed a reputation as a hub for drug cartel operations and activity. If you have been arrested for drug crimes in the Glendale area or anywhere throughout Arizona, you need a dedicated and highly experienced criminal defense attorney who knows the intricacies of both the state and federal judicial system. Do not let overzealous federal agents and prosecutors make an example out of you.
Our legal advocates at Suzuki Law Offices include former prosecutors who know how to navigate the delicate, complicated, and often biased legal system. When facing such challenging and terrible consequences of a federal criminal conviction, your Glendale federal drug crimes attorney can help you fight for your rights and protect your freedom. You can call our offices today or fill out our quick and confidential contact form to schedule a free consultation now.
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