Drug-related crimes can fall under the jurisdiction of either the state or federal government, or possibly both, depending on the facts of the case. Generally speaking, drug crimes prosecuted at the state level are less serious offenses, like simple possession, while federal drug crimes are more serious offenses, like drug trafficking or drug conspiracy. Federal prosecutors and judges are notoriously tough on drug offenders, and the consequences of a federal drug conviction can be extraordinarily harsh, even for a first offense. Consider this: For a first-time drug trafficking offense involving 500-4,999 grams of powder cocaine mixture, a federal defendant could face a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, and pay up to $5 million in fines. Don’t let a federal drug charge throw your entire life off track. If you are in need of an experienced federal drug lawyer in Portland, we can help. Our knowledge of the federal court system and its unique procedures is what you need if you are faced with federal drug charges. Call us today to schedule a risk-free consultation with our legal team.
Being charged with a federal crime can be a frightening and stressful experience. Even if you have previously faced criminal charges in state court, drug charges prosecuted at the federal level are a whole different ballgame. A skilled federal drug lawyer can explain your legal options and ensure that you understand your rights at every stage of your case.
Beating a drug charge at the federal level is no easy feat. If you are charged with a federal drug crime, you will appear in federal court in front of a federal judge, and if you are convicted, you will serve any sentence handed down by the judge in federal prison. The federal government takes drug-related offenses extremely seriously and there are strict penalties for federal drug convictions, including mandatory minimum prison terms for many offenses. With a skilled federal drug lawyer on your side, you stand a better chance of getting the charges against you dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge or of receiving a more lenient sentence.
When facing federal drug charges, it is important to remember that no two cases are the same and no attorney can guarantee a specific result in your case. A good defense attorney will insist on taking a close look at the specific facts of your case before recommending a specific course of action. That may include establishing whether negotiating a plea agreement or taking your case to trial makes the most sense for you. Choosing a lawyer who has ample experience handling federal drug cases like yours is your best bet if you hope to successfully challenge a drug charge in federal court.
A federal drug lawyer’s first and most important responsibility is to protect his client’s rights and represent his best interests in court. If you are under investigation for a federal drug crime, remember that the federal law enforcement officers investigating the crime and the prosecutor filing the charges are not on your side. They will do everything in their power to get a conviction and close the case, and as a criminal defendant in that case, you need an equally powerful legal advocate fighting for you and ensuring that your rights are upheld at every turn.
Just like in any state drug case, defendants in federal drug cases are considered innocent until proven guilty. If you have been accused of committing a federal drug crime, it is up to the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime or crimes with which you have been charged. The goal of a criminal defense attorney, then, is to present a compelling defense that raises questions about the prosecution’s evidence and creates reasonable doubt about your guilt in the mind of the judge and jury. To cast doubt on the prosecution’s case, your attorney may raise arguments that question the credibility of the prosecution’s witnesses, expose police mistakes in gathering or maintaining physical evidence, or challenge arrest and investigation procedures, among other legal tactics.
Federal drug charges can be brought against any person accused of committing a crime that violates federal law or takes place on federal property, which you may not realize includes military bases and facilities, national parks, Indian reservations, and any other land that falls under federal jurisdiction. Defendants in federal drug cases are often accused of transporting controlled substances across state lines or importing them into the country, or of committing a drug offense that is related to organized crime or a continuing criminal enterprise. In some cases, a drug offense that would otherwise be prosecuted in state court is investigated by federal authorities because of the amount of the drug involved in the offense. The following are some common drug-related offenses that can result in federal charges:
If you are looking for a federal drug lawyer in Portland because you have been arrested or charged with a federal drug crime, we can help. We specialize in federal cases and we have experience defending clients against all types of federal drug charges, from drug conspiracy to drug manufacturing to drug smuggling. We are familiar with the federal court system, its procedures, prosecutors, and judges, and we will use our knowledge and expertise to your advantage when you hire our firm.
The idea of going up against the federal government in a criminal case may seem daunting, and for good reason. Federal prosecutors have nearly unlimited resources to call upon in pursuing a case against a criminal defendant, which means you need a reputable criminal defense attorney who offers the same level of commitment and attention to detail. Your very first move after being arrested or discovering that you are the target of a federal drug investigation should be to schedule a consultation with a top federal drug lawyer in Portland. Our risk-free consultation gives you a chance to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney, ask any questions you may have, and review your legal options, with no obligation to hire our firm.
No matter what kind of federal drug charge you are facing, you should never attempt to fight the charges on your own. The federal criminal justice system is complex and complicated, and federal drug charges can result in lengthy sentences in federal court. The person best equipped to present a winning defense and fight for a favorable result in your federal drug case is a criminal defense attorney who specializes in federal offenses. To find out how we can help you get the best possible outcome in your criminal case, contact us today by calling (888) 901-2111.
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