Getting charged with a federal drug crime can have serious consequences. Rather than face this charge on your own, it may be beneficial to consult with an Avondale criminal defense lawyer. By working with an Avondale federal drug crimes lawyer, you may be able to build a legal strategy to contest your charge.
At Suzuki Law Offices, every attorney on our legal team has served as a former prosecutor either at the state or federal level or both. We may be able to help you with your drug charge. To learn more, reach out to us.
Federal Drug Crime Definition
A drug-related crime involves the use, possession, manufacturing, or distribution of substances classified for abuse. This crime may reach the federal level if it takes place on government property. Or, an individual may be charged with a federal drug crime if they are moving large amounts of illicit substances across state lines or trafficking them.
State and federal crimes differ in terms of jurisdiction. With an Arizona drug crime, the state may prosecute. If the crime has national ramifications, it may fall under the umbrella of the federal government.
An Avondale federal drug crimes attorney can explain the differences between state and national criminal activities and address other legal topics. If you have been charged with a federal drug offense, the legal team at Suzuki Law Offices may be able to help you out. For more information, get in touch with us.
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Get StartedFederal Drug Schedules
The federal government regulates drugs through the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). It divides illegal substances into categories based on safety, usage, and potential for abuse. There are five schedules:
- Schedule I: These include heroin and other drugs that have a high potential for abuse.
- Schedule II: These include fentanyl and other drugs that may be abused but are commonly used for medical purposes.
- Schedule III: These include drugs that are often used for medical reasons but are less harmful and addictive than Schedule II drugs.
- Schedule IV: These include Xanax and other prescription drugs with a low potential for abuse.
- Schedule V: These include narcotics and other drugs with the lowest chance of being abused.
Selling, using, manufacturing, or distributing drugs may lead to a federal charge. Following a drug charge, you may want to pursue legal help. When you work with a federal drug crimes lawyer in Avondale, you can review your legal options and determine how to dispute your charge.
Lawyer Near Me 602-682-5270Federal Drug Crime Examples
You may face a federal drug crime charge if you are linked to an illicit substance. The charge may lead to a conviction that affects you long into the future. Examples of federal drug crimes include:
- Drug conspiracy
- Drug manufacturing
- Drug trafficking
- Possession of a controlled substance
A drug crime may be charged on the federal level if it has national interests associated with it. For example, you may be arrested for drugs that were not yours. The arrest may come after a friend was in possession of illegal substances on government property, and you may be charged with a federal crime.
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Federal Drug Crime Penalties
A federal drug crimes attorney in Avondale can teach you about criminal penalties. Following a drug crime charge, a prosecutor may pursue your case to the fullest extent of the law. If they are successful, you may be subject to various penalties, such as:
- Drug Conspiracy: Prison sentences extending from five years to life
- Drug Trafficking: Prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life and fines up to $20 million
- Possession of a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance: Prison sentences of up to 12 months, fine up to $2,500, or both
You may want to hire an attorney as soon as you are charged with a federal drug crime. Your lawyer can look at the facts of your case. They can work with you to gather evidence and prepare an argument to defend against your charge.
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Federal Drug Crime Legal Defense
You may be wondering if you will be charged with trafficking if you give your friend drugs or have other legal concerns and questions. An Avondale federal drug crimes attorney can give you legal insights and help you figure out the best way to dispute your charge. They may consider many legal strategies, including:
Lack of Knowledge or Intent
You may face a drug crime in spite of the fact that you had no idea you were selling, distributing, or manufacturing an illegal substance. In this situation, your attorney may be able to validate your claim. They may gather proof that shows you did not know or plan to break the law.
No Miranda Warning
If you are arrested for a crime, the police are required to read your Miranda warning. They may choose not to do so or violate other laws. If they do, you may be able to claim police misconduct, which may make it difficult for the prosecution to argue their case against you.
Entrapment
You may be charged with a drug crime as a result of a police officer’s actions. If an officer pushes you to commit a crime and you are arrested for doing so, you may have been entrapped. Your lawyer may prepare an argument that shows an officer breached your legal rights, which led you to commit a crime.
Illegal Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects against unlawful search and seizure. Police officers may collect evidence in the hopes of getting you convicted of a federal drug crime. However, if these officers violated your Fourth Amendment rights, you may be able to argue that you are the victim of illegal search and seizure.
Your attorney will give your case the attention it deserves. Rather than go through the legal process on your own, your Avondale federal drug crimes lawyer is with you every step of the way. They can help you make informed decisions throughout your litigation and do everything in their power to protect your legal rights.
Get Legal Help from a Federal Drug Crimes Attorney in Avondale
You do not have to contest your federal drug crime charge by yourself. The legal team at Suzuki Law Offices is available to assist you throughout your litigation. To schedule a free case consultation, contact us today.
Call or text 602-682-5270 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form