Dallas Drug Related Offenses Lawyer

Many people mistakenly believe that federal crimes are primarily made up of national security and white collar offenses. The reality, however, is that approximately 55% of federal prisoners have been convicted of drug-related offenses.

Some individuals charged with drug-related offenses do not realize the vast difference between state court and federal court when being charged. Unfortunately, being charged with a federal offense carries the potential for consequences that are far more severe.

The federal government takes drug-offenses very seriously. In fact, the U.S. Congress has enacted more than 35 drug statutes outlining fines and penalties for over 160 drug-related offenses. The lower end of these offenses carries fines of up to $250,000 and three years’ imprisonment, while the higher end of such offenses carries fines ranging from $10 to $50 million in fines and 10 years to life imprisonment.

A drug charge in the state does not automatically result in a drug conviction. After all, there are numerous effective defenses for drug-related offenses that a criminal defense attorney should be able to use to your advantage.  If you or a loved one are charged for a drug-related offense, consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Call David Finn, P.C. at (214) 538-6629 today.

Drug-Related Offenses with Mandatory Minimums

Compared to state courts, federal courts typically impose much harsher sentences. Under federal law, drug-related offenses involving the following drugs carry a mandatory minimum sentence:

• Heroin
• Crack cocaine
• Cocaine
• Marijuana
• Methamphetamine
• PCP
• LSD

Depending on the amount of the drug involved, the mandatory minimum sentence can be five to ten years without parole.

If the offender has one prior felony conviction, the five-year minimum drug case can be doubled to 10 years’ imprisonment. Similarly, the 10-year minimum drug case can be doubled to 20 years if there exists a prior felony conviction.

Note that if a death of another is involved, both the five- and 10-year minimum cases automatically increase to a mandatory minimum of 20 years’ imprisonment. If the offender has a prior felony conviction and a death results, then the mandatory minimum increases to life imprisonment without parole.

If the offender has more than one prior felony conviction, the 10-year mandatory minimum increases to life imprisonment without parole.

Forfeiture of Money and Property

As with drug convictions in Texas, federal drug convictions may result in civil forfeitures—the loss of personal property such as homes, vehicles, cash, and other personal belongings.

Proceeds from all forfeited property do not go towards the general government treasury, but to the funds of law enforcement agencies. The police, therefore, are encouraged to seize and forfeit as much of the offender’s property as possible—regardless of whether they are actually associated with the offender’s drug activities.

Call David Finn, P.C. Today

When it comes to federal drug cases, the stakes are extremely high. If you or a loved one are being investigated or have already been arrested for a drug-related offense, consult with an experienced attorney immediately.

David Finn, P.C. understands the sensitivity of these charges, and will help you avoid crippling consequences to both your future and freedom. He will fight aggressively to protect your rights, fight the allegations against you, and create the strongest defense possible. Call David Finn, P.C. at (214) 538-6629 today.