Maryland Federal Drug Lawyer

While drug charges of any kind may be accompanied by harsh sanctions and penalties, federal drug crimes are subject to elevated legal punishments. There are a variety of factors that could cause a drug offense to be charged as a federal crime, such as if the accused is arrested by federal law enforcement. Depending on the crime, an offense could be charged at both the state and federal level.

If you were charged with a controlled substance offense, a Maryland federal drug lawyer could safeguard your rights. It may be beneficial to hire an accomplished criminal attorney who could fight for a favorable adjudication on your behalf. A federal defense lawyer could help you better understand the legal process and potential outcomes of your case.

Common Federal Drug Charges

A variety of drug crimes may be charged at the federal level, with some of the most common offenses being drug possession, trading, and manufacturing. A person may also face federal penalties for importing illicit substances or conspiring to engage in a drug crime with one or more individuals.

Possessing an illegal drug with the purpose of selling it to others is another common type of federal offense. A local attorney could help an individual accused of a federal controlled substance crime prepare an aggressive defense against their charges.

Factors that Can Contribute to Federal Drug Charge

There are specific factors that may contribute to a drug being charged at the federal level. For example, if the alleged crime occurred on property that belongs to the federal government or involved the trafficking of drugs through postal services, the individual would face federal sanctions. Another situation where a drug offense would be charged as a federal crime is if someone sold or distributed significant amounts of an illegal substance.

Drug Classifications and Penalties

Title 21 United States Code §812 classifies drugs and drug penalties into five schedules based on the type and quantity of the particular controlled substance and its likelihood for misuse. Federal law also establishes specific penalties for marijuana-related offenses. Schedule I drugs pose the highest risk of abuse while Schedule V substances pose the least risk.

Schedule I drugs include substances like heroin, LSD, and cocaine, while Schedule II drugs include fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. Amphetamine and methylphenidate are examples of Schedule III drugs. Drugs like flunitrazepam, phenobarbital, and chloral betaine are classified as Schedule IV drugs. Many drugs that fall into the Schedule V classification are used as painkillers or cough relievers. Pregabalin is a common Schedule V drug.

The penalties attached to a drug crime depend on the schedule the substance falls into and the amount of the specific drug involved. For example, someone who is caught with 10 to 99 pure grams of phencyclidine (PCP), which is a Schedule II drug, would face up to 40 years in prison for a first violation and as much as $2,000,000 in fines. A person who is charged for possessing five or more kilograms of cocaine or 1,000 or more kilograms of marijuana would face a term of imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life for a first-time violation, plus fines. A federal attorney in the area could examine the accused party’s drug charge and advise what legal consequences could follow if a conviction is reached.

Contact a Maryland Federal Drug Attorney for Legal Assistance

If you face federal charges, it is critical you speak with a Maryland federal drug lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled attorney can explain what defenses may be available to you and work to seek a reduction or dismissal of your charges.

A conviction of a federal crime would not only mean a permanent criminal record, lengthy imprisonment, and high fines, but could also affect your rights. To discuss the next steps and learn about all your options, schedule a confidential attorney consultation today.