What Are the Different Types of Federal Drug Charges?

 Posted on June 18, 2021 in Federal Crimes

If you have been charged with a federal drug crime, it is crucial to have a skilled Illinois criminal attorney on your side. If convicted of a federal drug crime, you may face serious penalties, such as prison time and heavy fines. A lawyer will help you build a strong defense and protect your legal rights.

When Drug Crimes Become Federal Offenses

Some drug crimes are charged at the state level while others are charged at the federal level. You will likely be charged federally if you commit a drug offense on federal property, such as a national park. You may also be charged federally if you are caught manufacturing or trafficking illegal drugs, especially across state lines.

Types of Federal Drug Crimes

Federal drug crimes come with penalties beyond prison time. If you get convicted of a federal drug crime, you will have a permanent criminal record, making it more difficult to get a job and place to live. Here are several types of federal drug crimes:

• Possession - Possession of illegal drugs can be charged at the state or federal level. Whether or not you will be charged federally may depend on several different factors, such as where you were caught with the drugs and the type of drugs you had in your possession.

• Manufacturing - Manufacturing refers to the practice of creating an illegal drug. This may include growing marijuana plants or combining chemicals to make LSD.

• Possession with intent to distribute - If individuals are caught with a large quantity of drugs in their possession, authorities may assume that they were trying to sell them. This comes with a harsher sentence than simple possession.

• Trafficking - Drug trafficking occurs when a person sells, transports, or imports illegal substances, and it is prosecuted more severely than drug possession. It is considered a federal crime if you transport the drugs across state lines. The length of your sentence may be dependent on a few elements, including the type of drug and how much you were attempting to sell.

Contact a Chicago, IL Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are facing charges for a federal drug crime, you should get in touch with an Illinois criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. At the Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel, we understand that you are in a tough situation, and we can offer our legal assistance to help you resolve it with the best possible outcome. Schedule a free consultation with our skilled attorney by calling 312-629-0669 today.

Source:

https://www.justice.gov/usao-nh/frequently-used-federal-drug-statutes