5 Top Reasons to Hire a Federal Drug Lawyer in Austin

Drug crimes, like most criminal offenses, can result in state or federal charges, or even both state and federal charges in some cases. While lesser drug offenses, such as simple possession, are typically prosecuted at the state level, more serious crimes, like drug trafficking, can lead to federal charges. You could find yourself facing drug charges in federal court if you are accused of committing a drug-related offense that: 1) violates federal law or is severe enough to warrant prosecution at the federal level, 2) crosses state lines, or 3) takes place on federal property (i.e. a national park or military base). The federal court system handles a wide variety of criminal charges and hands down extremely harsh penalties for convictions at the federal level. You should never attempt to fight federal drug charges on your own. Schedule a free consultation with our federal drug lawyers to ensure that you mount the strongest possible defense in your criminal case.

1. Familiarity with the federal court system

Even if you have past experience with the criminal justice system in Texas, you must understand that the federal court system is a whole different ballgame. Federal courts have different procedural rules than state courts in Texas. The federal system is generally more strict than the state court system. And the penalties for a criminal conviction at the federal level are typically more severe than the penalties for a similar crime at the state level, especially when the Federal Sentencing Guidelines come into play. Familiarity with the federal court system should be one of your first considerations when choosing a criminal defense lawyer to represent you, as you will rely on your lawyer’s knowledge throughout your case.

2. Knowledge of the most effective defense strategies

A federal drug lawyer with experience handling cases similar to yours will be your most valuable resource in preparing a compelling defense. A seasoned attorney will know which defense strategies are likely to be the most useful based on your specific situation. Every federal drug case is different, but a knowledge of the most effective legal defenses will work in your favor.

3. Established relationships with prosecutors and judges

A criminal defense attorney’s primary objective is to advocate for and act in the best interest of their client. Sometimes, that means working with the prosecutor and judge in pursuit of a favorable outcome. If you are facing federal drug charges, you want a criminal defense attorney on your side who has spent years handling cases in federal court, cultivating relationships with prosecutors and judges based on professionalism, communication, and mutual respect.

4. Commitment to your criminal case

Federal drug violations make for notoriously difficult criminal cases. If you are under investigation for a federal offense, you will need a talented federal drug lawyer fighting for you every step of the way. We are committed to providing our criminal defense clients with the highest quality legal representation and we will devote the time, attention, and resources necessary to expertly prepare your case and fight for the best possible outcome.

5. Possibility of reduced charges or penalties

Most drug crimes prosecuted at the federal level carry mandatory minimum sentences. This means that there is a minimum term of imprisonment federal judges must impose on defendants convicted of certain controlled substance offenses. In most federal drug cases, the mandatory minimum sentence is five or ten years, with the possibility of enhanced criminal penalties based on the defendant’s prior criminal record and the specific circumstances of the case, including whether death or serious bodily injury results from the use of the drug. A federal drug lawyer in Austin can carefully assess the facts of your case and determine whether it makes more sense to go to trial or attempt to negotiate for a lesser charge or a more lenient sentence.

How Our Federal Drug Lawyers in Austin Can Help

No matter the circumstances, federal drug charges should never be taken lightly. Depending on the nature and severity of the crime, a drug-related conviction at the federal level could result in millions of dollars in fines and incarceration in federal prison for many years, if not for life, among other devastating criminal penalties. The following are some frequently used federal drug statutes and the associated criminal penalties:

  • 21 USC § 841(a)(1) Distribution/Manufacturing/Possession with intent to Distribute – A five-year mandatory minimum sentence and a maximum of 40 years, or a 10-year mandatory minimum and a maximum of life imprisonment, depending on the type and amount of drug involved. Penalties can be increased if the defendant has prior drug convictions, if death or serious bodily injury occurs, or if distribution occurred near schools, playgrounds, etc.
  • 21 USC § 846 Conspiracy/Attempt – Penalties are identical to the penalties for drug distribution.
  • 21 USC § 848 Continuing Criminal Enterprise – A 20-year mandatory minimum sentence and a maximum of life imprisonment, or a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment and the death penalty, in certain cases.
  • 21 USC § 856 Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises – A 20-year maximum sentence
  • 18 USC § 1952 Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering – A five-year maximum sentence

If you hope to reduce or avoid the potential consequences of a federal drug charge in Austin, our knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers can help. We have spent years fighting for the rights of defendants facing federal drug charges like drug trafficking and drug manufacturing, and we will use our considerable knowledge and expertise to your advantage when you choose our firm.

Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Your Federal Drug Charges

Our federal criminal defense attorneys have helped clients build compelling cases against a wide range of federal charges, and we know how frightening and overwhelming it can be to seek qualified legal counsel when faced with a federal drug charge. If you have been accused of violating federal drug laws or committing an extremely serious drug-related offense in Austin, we can help you understand your legal rights and determine what actions you should take moving forward. We offer prospective clients a risk-free criminal defense consultation, which means you can discuss your case with our federal drug lawyers and explore your legal options with no obligation to hire our firm.

How to Contact Our Knowledgeable Federal Drug Lawyers

The federal government takes drug-related offenses like drug trafficking or possession with the intent to distribute extremely seriously, and federal prosecutors go to great lengths to ensure that defendants in drug cases receive the harshest possible sentences under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. If you have been arrested or charged with a federal drug crime, there is far too much at stake to leave your case in the hands of just any attorney. It is in your best interest to hire a federal drug lawyer in Austin who has experience defending the rights of those accused of federal drug crimes. Call our reputable federal defense attorneys today at (888) 901-2111 to find out how we can help you with your criminal case. The sooner you hire an attorney, the better your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome, so don’t wait.

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