Federal Drug Trafficking Defense
Fighting mandatory minimums • Conspiracy defense • Safety valve eligibility • Your freedom depends on experienced federal defense
Federal Drug Trafficking Defense
Federal drug trafficking charges carry some of the harshest penalties in the criminal justice system. With mandatory minimum sentences ranging from 5 years to life imprisonment, these cases demand attorneys who understand federal sentencing guidelines, conspiracy law, and how to fight for reduced sentences.
Mandatory Minimums
5, 10, 20 years, or life based on drug type and quantity
Conspiracy Charges
Held responsible for entire conspiracy's drug weight
Asset Forfeiture
Seizure of homes, vehicles, and bank accounts
Why Federal Cases Are Different
Federal drug cases involve DEA, FBI, and other agencies with vast resources. Wiretaps, confidential informants, and co-defendant cooperation create complex cases requiring experienced defense attorneys who know how to challenge the government's evidence.
Federal Drug Charges We Defend
Comprehensive defense against all federal drug prosecutions.
Drug Conspiracy
21 U.S.C. § 846 conspiracy charges holding you responsible for all drugs in the conspiracy, even if you never touched them.
Distribution & Possession
21 U.S.C. § 841 charges for manufacturing, distributing, or possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Importation
21 U.S.C. § 952 charges for importing controlled substances into the United States, carrying severe penalties.
Money Laundering
18 U.S.C. § 1956 charges for financial transactions involving drug proceeds, adding 20 years to sentences.
Continuing Criminal Enterprise
21 U.S.C. § 848 "kingpin" charges with 20-year mandatory minimum and up to life imprisonment.
Firearms Enhancement
18 U.S.C. § 924(c) adds 5 years to life for firearms in drug trafficking crimes.
Understanding Mandatory Minimum Sentences
5-Year Mandatory Minimum
Triggered by smaller quantities: 5 grams crack, 28 grams crack base, 40 grams fentanyl, 100 grams heroin, 500 grams cocaine, 100 kilos marijuana.
10-Year Mandatory Minimum
Larger quantities: 50 grams crack, 280 grams crack base, 400 grams fentanyl, 1 kilo heroin, 5 kilos cocaine, 1,000 kilos marijuana.
Prior Convictions
One prior felony drug conviction doubles mandatory minimums. Two priors trigger life imprisonment for certain offenses.
Death or Serious Injury
If death or serious bodily injury results from drug use, mandatory minimum increases to 20 years to life.
Fighting Federal Drug Charges
Strategic defenses to avoid or minimize mandatory sentences.
Fourth Amendment
Challenging illegal searches, seizures, wiretaps, and surveillance to suppress evidence.
Entrapment
When government agents or informants induce someone to commit crimes they wouldn't otherwise commit.
Safety Valve
Avoiding mandatory minimums for first-time, non-violent offenders who cooperate fully.
Drug Quantity
Challenging weight calculations, purity levels, and attribution in conspiracy cases.
Minor Role
Securing sentencing reductions for minimal participants in larger conspiracies.
Cooperation
Strategic cooperation for 5K1.1 substantial assistance departures while protecting against self-incrimination.
Federal Drug Charges? Every Day Matters
Mandatory minimums mean you're facing years or decades in federal prison. The decisions you make now will determine your future. Don't face the federal government alone.
Available 24/7 • Free Consultation • Former Federal Prosecutors