Fort Lauderdale Federal Drug Crimes Lawyer

Attorney for Federal Charges Related to Controlled Substances in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

An accusation of a federal drug crime is among the most serious legal situations a person can encounter. Federal drug crimes may be investigated and prosecuted by powerful government agencies. With the resources available to federal prosecutors, defendants may worry about their ability to defend themselves. With the mandatory minimum prison sentences that typically apply to people who are convicted on federal drug charges, the stakes of these cases can be high.

The lawyer at The Hoffman Firm can provide an effective defense for clients in Fort Lauderdale who are facing federal drug charges. He fights to protect his clients' rights, challenge the evidence involved in a case, and take steps to achieve the best possible outcome in federal cases. With his understanding of federal drug statutes and the procedures followed in federal courts, he can provide the guidance that clients need throughout every stage of a criminal case.

When Drug Charges May Become Federal Cases

Drug offenses may be prosecuted in federal courts when they involve certain factors that extend beyond local or state jurisdiction. Some common reasons why a case may be prosecuted at the federal level include:

• The alleged offense involved large amounts of drugs like heroin, fentanyl, or methamphetamine
• The case involves accusations of drug trafficking through multiple states or importing drugs into the United States
• Federal agencies conducted the investigation or made the arrest
• The defendant is accused of being part of a criminal organization or drug trafficking network
• An offense allegedly involved other federal crimes, including weapons charges or violent crimes

Once a case is taken up by the U.S. Attorney's Office, the procedures, penalties, and legal standards are governed by federal law. Strict bail conditions may apply to defendants who are arrested and charged with federal crimes, and more severe sentences will often be imposed upon conviction.

Federal Drug Charges and Penalties

Federal drug crimes are prosecuted under the Controlled Substances Act and other federal statutes. Some of the most frequently charged offenses include:

Drug Trafficking

Under federal law, the manufacture, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance could lead to charges of drug trafficking. The potential penalties may vary depending on the specific drugs and their amounts. For example, trafficking more than five grams of methamphetamine, 100 grams of heroin, or 500 grams of cocaine could lead to a sentence of five to 40 years in a federal prison, as well as up to $5 million in fines. In cases involving at least 50 grams of methamphetamine, one kilogram of heroin, or five kilograms of cocaine the potential penalties increase to between 10 years and a life sentence in prison and $10 million in fines.

Drug Conspiracy

When two or more people are accused of agreeing to commit an offense that would qualify as a federal drug crime, they may face drug conspiracy charges. These charges may apply even if the crime was not completed. In federal courts, conspiracy charges are common, because they allow prosecutors to target multiple defendants within an alleged drug network. The penalties for drug conspiracy will typically be the same as would apply for the underlying drug crime, meaning that a person could face a lengthy prison sentence even if they never carried out the offense in question.

Additional Consequences of Federal Drug Crimes

Sentencing in federal criminal cases is governed by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which assign offense levels based on the types of controlled substances, the quantities of drugs involved in a case, a person's role in the offense, their criminal history, and other factors. Federal judges often have less discretion, and they may be bound by mandatory minimum sentences, even if they do not believe that these sentences are appropriate.

Additional penalties of federal drug crime convictions may include:

• Forfeiture of property, vehicles, or money connected to the alleged offense
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens, including detention or deportation
• Supervised release after serving a term in prison
• A permanent criminal record that can affect a person's employment prospects and civil rights

Given the severity of the penalties, it is essential to have a defense attorney who understands federal court procedures and who can build a comprehensive defense to challenge the charges a person is facing.

Legal Help in Federal Drug Cases

At The Hoffman Firm, our attorney can provide an effective defense in federal courts. He will focus on protecting clients' rights while identifying opportunities to dispute the prosecution's claims and defend against a conviction. For clients facing federal drug charges, he can:

• Conduct a thorough review of the government's evidence, including wiretaps, other forms of surveillance, and testimony from informants
• Challenge unlawful searches, seizures, and surveillance under the Fourth Amendment
• Analyze whether the prosecution can prove intent, knowledge, or actual involvement in a drug crime or drug conspiracy
• Identify opportunities for pretrial motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
• Negotiate with federal prosecutors when appropriate to reduce charges or avoid mandatory sentencing
• Prepare for trial and fight to secure an acquittal

In conspiracy cases, our lawyer can examine the scope of the alleged agreement and the reliability of cooperating witnesses. He can determine whether a person's role in a drug crime has been overstated. In drug trafficking and possession cases, he can investigate whether the quantity or classification of substances was accurate and whether law enforcement followed the proper procedures during an investigation or arrest.

Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Federal Drug Crimes Defense Attorney

At The Hoffman Firm, our attorney has the experience needed to handle federal cases correctly. He is committed to protecting our clients' rights and fighting for the best possible outcomes. Contact our Fort Lauderdale federal drug crimes defense lawyer by calling 954-524-4474 and arranging a free consultation.