Competent and dedicated legal representation is essential if you are facing federal drug distribution and trafficking charges. Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan can provide you with legal advocacy and counsel to defend yourself against these serious charges in Detroit.
You do not need to face the federal government juggernaut alone. If you are charged with drug distribution or trafficking, enlist the help of Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan. Our attorneys are skilled and experienced federal defense lawyers and will protect you against overzealous prosecutors and investigators. Schedule a consultation with us today.
Federal Definition of Drug Distribution and Trafficking
When you hear about distribution and trafficking, your mind may immediately turn to images of drug cartels and organized crime rings. While federal prosecutors can and do target these entities, ordinary Americans can also face prosecution for these serious charges.
The federal law that criminalizes drug distribution and trafficking is 21 U.S.C. § 821. Under this statute, it is a crime to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance. It is also a crime to possess any controlled substance with the intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense it.
You could face federal drug distribution and trafficking charges for:
- Providing a controlled substance to another person
- Selling or exchanging something of value for a controlled substance
- Possessing any quantity of a controlled substance with the intent to sell it or give it to another person
- Transporting any controlled substance with the intention that another distribute it
How Prosecutors Prove Your Intent
Federal investigators and prosecutors can rely on circumstantial evidence to prove your intent. For example, any of the following could be used to suggest you possessed a controlled substance intending to distribute or dispense it:
- The quantity of drugs found in your possession
- The way the drugs were packaged or stored
- Cell phone conversations and social media posts
- Travel arrangements you had made
These and other circumstances surrounding your arrest can satisfy the government’s burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors will often emphasize the evidence suggesting your intention to traffic drugs while ignoring or downplaying contrary evidence.
Penalties for Drug Distribution and Trafficking
If you are convicted of distributing, dispensing, or manufacturing a controlled substance, your specific sentence will depend on the type and quantity of drugs involved in your case. Prison sentences can range from five years to life in prison, and fines can reach thousands of dollars or more.
Your sentencing will be more severe if someone was hurt or killed in the incident. You could also face an enhanced sentence if you had a gun in your possession, you used electronic devices to plan or commit the crime, or your activities endangered minor children.
The Need for Federal Counsel and Representation
If you are charged with violating federal drug distribution and trafficking laws, choosing the right defense counsel is critical. Not only can state drug laws vary from federal statutes, but courtroom procedures can also differ. If your attorney is not licensed to practice in the federal courts, or if they are not experienced in handling federal drug cases, you could be at a significant disadvantage.
Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan and our team of lawyers are skilled in defending individuals accused of distributing, dispensing, or manufacturing controlled substances. Once you retain our firm’s services, your attorney will:
- Review all investigative reports prepared by law enforcement
- Conduct an independent investigation to discover exculpatory evidence
- Interview witnesses who could provide information helpful to your case
- Appear with you at all court hearings
- Move to suppress illegally obtained evidence
- Challenge the prosecution’s case at trial
You can trust your federal crimes defense lawyer from the Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan to protect your rights at every stage of your case.
Defenses Available to Those Charged With Trafficking
Federal prosecutors may pressure you into taking a plea deal in your case by convincing you that the evidence against you is overwhelming. However, the prosecutors must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. You may have defenses available to you that will make this a difficult task for prosecutors.
Common defenses that your federal drug defense lawyer can assert include:
- Crucial evidence was obtained in violation of your constitutional rights
- Cooperating witnesses for the prosecution are not credible
- You did not know or have reason to know about the drugs with which you were found
- You did not have the intention of manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing the drugs
You may have other defenses available to you. Your seasoned federal defense lawyer can advise you of your options and help you decide whether to pursue a plea deal or contest your charges in court.
Contact Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan for Defense
The penalties associated with a drug distribution and trafficking conviction are severe. Your attorney from Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan has one focus: protecting your liberty and rights at all costs. Contact us today if you are facing federal drug distribution charges in Detroit.
Federal Criminal Attorneys of Michigan, rooted in Detroit, assists clients with criminal defense in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Flint, and all of Michigan.