Ready To Protect Your Rights And Future Against Federal Drug Conspiracy Charges
When it comes to federal drug crimes, not only can a person be charged with a federal drug crime, but they can also be charged with federal drug conspiracy. Simply put, this refers to at least two people deciding together to commit a drug-related crime. If convicted, the defendants can face federal prison time and costly fines worth tens of thousands of dollars.
If you have been charged with federal drug conspiracy in Texas, Peter Barrett: Dallas Criminal Defense Attorney is dedicated to helping you either get your case dismissed or get your charges and penalties reduced. With over 25 years of experience in criminal law, our attorney is the advocate you need on your side.
An Overview Of Federal Drug Conspiracy Laws
Federal drug conspiracy involves two or more people making an agreement, either written or verbal, to commit a drug crime that violates federal laws. The following are some of the most common federal drug crimes that lead to conspiracy charges:
- Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
- Sale or distribution of a controlled substance
- Importing or trafficking a controlled substance
- Manufacturing a controlled substance
In order to prove guilt in a federal drug conspiracy case, the government must prove that an agreement exists between two or more individuals to violate federal drug laws, and that each alleged conspirator was aware of the unlawful agreement and still accepted.
Penalties For Drug Conspiracy Conviction
According to federal drug laws, the same minimum and maximum penalties of a federal drug crime also apply to conspiracy – even if the agreement isn’t fulfilled. For example, if the federal drug crime involved one or more kilograms of heroin, the mandatory minimum sentence is 10 years, while the maximum sentence is life imprisonment. If a defendant is convicted of federal drug conspiracy involving this amount of heroin, they will face the same range of punishment as the underlying offense.
Keep in mind, there are federal laws that “enhance” the sentences for specific drug crimes. There are two ways a defendant may face such enhancements:
- If a person dies or suffers a serious injury after using the controlled substance involved in the drug conspiracy
- If the defendant has one or more prior felony drug crime convictions.
The exact sentence a person will face depends on the type of drug, the quantity of drug and any of the sentencing enhancements mentioned above.
Contact Us Today For A Comprehensive Consultation
There are many defenses to a drug conspiracy charge, including a lack of agreement and a lack of multiple parties. Our skilled attorney can review your case and determine all your available legal options to protect your rights, reputation and freedom. For more information about our legal services, call our office in Dallas at 214-506-2896 or fill out our online contact form.