Miami Federal Drug Crimes Attorney
When a person is arrested for drug possession, they are typically arrested by local law enforcement. However, it is possible for them to be charged with federal criminal charges, even if they have never left the state. That’s because drug possession can be both a state and federal crime.
Federal drug charges often involve mandatory minimum sentences, even when they involve a relatively small amount of a controlled substance. Because of this, it’s important to seek legal help right away. Contact a Miami federal drug crimes attorney from Asilia Law Firm to learn more.
Types of Federal Drug Crimes
The following are examples of federal drug crimes:
- Drug trafficking. This involves the distribution, transportation, or sale of illegal drugs across state or national borders. Trafficking offenses often involve large quantities of controlled substances.
- Drug distribution. Distribution offenses involve selling or delivering illegal drugs to others. This can include street-level drug dealing as well as more organized distribution networks.
- Drug manufacturing. Manufacturing illegal drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and other controlled substances is a federal crime. This includes growing marijuana plants and operating meth labs.
- Drug possession with intent to distribute. Possessing illegal drugs with the intent to sell or distribute them is a federal crime. Law enforcement may determine intent based on factors such as the quantity of drugs possessed and the presence of packaging materials or scales.
- Drug paraphernalia offenses. Federal law prohibits the sale, manufacture, or distribution of drug paraphernalia, which includes items such as bongs, pipes, and syringes used for consuming illegal drugs.
- Money laundering. This involves engaging in financial transactions involving proceeds from drug trafficking or using legitimate businesses to conceal illicit drug profits constitutes federal money laundering offenses.
- Prescription drug fraud. Illegally obtaining or distributing prescription drugs through fraud, forgery, or doctor shopping is a federal crime.
Drug Schedule
Drug crime penalties are often based on the danger of the drug, which is determined by this schedule:
- Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical value in the United States. Marijuana is included as a Schedule I drug, along with heroin, LSD, and ecstasy.
- Schedule II drugs have a high level for abuse, but they are considered to have a currently accepted medical value. These include drugs such as methamphetamines, codeine, fentanyl, morphine, and OxyContin.
- Schedule III drugs have a currently accepted medical use but still have a potential for abuse. These include some appetite suppressants, depressants like ketamine, and anabolic steroids.
- Schedule IV drugs have a low potential for abuse or dependence. These include prescription drugs such as Xanax, Valium, and Ambien.
- Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse and include prescription cough medicine and other narcotics.
Contact Asilia Law Firm Today
The penalties for federal drug offenses can vary depending on factors such as the type and quantity of drugs involved, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether aggravating factors were present.
Defend yourself with help from Asilia Law Firm. Every case is personal for us because we know firsthand how it feels to be a victim of the criminal justice system. Schedule a consultation with our Miami federal drug crimes attorney today by calling (786) 420-3014 or filling out the online form.