Federal Drug Crimes in Boston
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Federal Drug Crimes in Boston
Federal drug crimes are a big issue here in Boston. Lots of folks get busted for all kinds of drug offenses–from possession and trafficking to distribution and manufacturing. The feds take this stuff real serious and will throw the book at you if they can. Let me break it down for you so you know what you’re up against if the feds come knocking.
Possession
Getting caught with drugs on you is never good news. The feds see possession of illegal drugs as a serious crime. The penalties depend on a few things:
- What kind of drug it is
- How much you had on you
- Whether you have any prior drug convictions
So for example, getting busted with a little bit of weed won’t land you in as much hot water as getting busted with a trunk full of heroin or cocaine. But even minor possession charges add up, especially if you already have a record. Three strikes laws and all that.
Trafficking and Distribution
Now we’re talking even more serious business. Trafficking and distribution charges mean the feds think you’re moving major weight–not just small amounts for personal use. We’re talking kilos of powder and bricks of weed. The penalties get real stiff, real fast:
- 10+ years in federal prison
- Massive fines, like hundreds of thousands of dollars
- Forfeiture of assets (they can take your car, house, bank accounts, etc)
You don’t want to mess around with trafficking if you can avoid it. The feds can and will hit you hard. They’ll tap your phones, put GPS trackers on your rides, even flip your friends against you. Not a good scene.
Manufacturing and Production
You think trafficking is bad? Manufacturing and producing illegal drugs is even worse news. We’re talking long, long prison stints if they catch you cooking up a batch of meth or running a grow-op. The feds will stack charges against you for the actual manufacturing/production, the materials and equipment you use, distribution of the finished product–you name it. You’ll be buried so deep even the best lawyers will have a hard time digging you out.
My advice? Don’t set up shop as a producer unless you wanna spend decades of your life in a 6×8 concrete box. The risk-reward just ain’t worth it.
Defenses and Challenges
Now I don’t wanna scare you too bad. There are still defenses and challenges your lawyer can use to fight federal drug charges. For example:
- Illegal searches – if the feds violated your 4th Amendment rights, any evidence could get tossed
- Entrapment – if the cops coerced you into committing a crime, that’s entrapment
- Invalid testing – you can challenge the drug testing procedures
- Misidentification – you can claim the drugs weren’t actually yours
A good lawyer knows how to exploit technicalities and procedural mistakes by the cops and agents. But you gotta have someone who really knows the system–the federal system ain’t like the state courts. The fed plays hardball.
How to Avoid Charges
Look, the best way to avoid getting hit with federal drug charges is simple–don’t mess with drugs to begin with. I know, easier said than done. But if you’re gonna play with fire, here’s a few tips:
- Never keep large amounts of drugs on you or in your home/car
- Don’t talk about your activities over the phone or online
- Avoid areas known for drug activity
- Don’t resist if cops stop and question you
Use common sense. And if the feds do come to see you, say nothing and call a lawyer immediately. Invoke your right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning.
Drug crimes ain’t no joke, especially when the feds are on your case. You don’t wanna become another statistic in the war on drugs. Stay safe out there.
References
Here are some references I used in researching federal drug crimes in Boston:
Leader of Boston Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison
Lynn Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Charges
Differences Between State and Federal Drug Charges in Boston
Overview of Massachusetts Drug Offenses