Not only are federal drug crimes such as drug smuggling or drug trafficking are punishable by harsh sentences in federal prison, but they also carry mandatory minimum prison terms – unlike state drug crimes. High-volume trafficking of eight substances – which are classified as either Schedule I or II narcotics – result in the most severe penalties.
The eight substances include:
- Heroin
- Powder cocaine
- Cocaine base (also known as crack)
- Fentanyl
- Methamphetamine
- LSD
- PCP
- Marijuana
Each substance carries a specific set of mandatory minimum sentences for trafficking. There are two thresholds for mandatory minimums based on various amounts.
The higher set of amounts features the following thresholds:
- Heroin – One (1) kg
- Powder cocaine – Five (5) kg
- Crack – 280 grams
- Fentanyl – 400 grams
- Methamphetamine – 50 grams
- LSD – one (1) gram
- PCP – 100 grams
- Marijuana – 1,00o kg
Drug trafficking involving one of the eight substances at these amounts is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years. However, if the offense involved another person suffering a serious injury or dying, or if the defendant has a prior felony drug conviction, then the mandatory minimum sentence is 20 years. If the defendant has at least two previous felony drug convictions, or a prior felony drug conviction and the crime involved serious bodily injury or death, then the mandatory sentence is life imprisonment.
The lower set of amounts features the following thresholds:
- Heroin – 100 grams
- Powder cocaine – 500 grams
- Crack – 28 grams
- Fentanyl – 40 grams
- Methamphetamine – Five (5) grams
- LSD – One (1) gram
- PCP – 100 grams
- Marijuana – 100 kg
Drug trafficking involving one of the eight substances at these amounts is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of five (5) years. However, if the defendant has a prior felony drug conviction, then the mandatory minimum sentence is 10 years. Iff the offense involved another person suffering a serious injury or dying, then the mandatory minimum sentence is 20 years. If the defendant has a prior felony drug conviction and the crime involved serious bodily injury or death, then the mandatory sentence is life imprisonment.
If you have been accused of a federal drug crime, look no further than The Hoffman Firm to provide aggressive and personalized legal representation. With more than two decades of legal experience, our Fort Lauderdale federal criminal lawyer has handled complex drug cases in federal courts throughout Florida.
For more information about our firm’s legal services, contact us today at (305) 928-1669 to discuss your case.