Los Angeles Drug Crime Lawyer Defending Against Federal Drug Charges
Federal drug crimes rank among the most severe offenses in the criminal justice system, often leading to penalties that can significantly alter your life. Prosecuted under federal law, these cases typically involve large-scale operations, substantial quantities of controlled substances, or drug trafficking across state or international borders. A conviction can result in lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and the forfeiture of assets. Having an experienced federal drug crimes attorney is critical to navigating these serious charges and building a strong defense against the aggressive tactics of federal prosecutors.
Common federal drug charges include:
- Drug Trafficking: Involves the manufacturing, distribution, or sale of large quantities of drugs.
- Drug Importation: Bringing illegal drugs into the United States from another country.
- Drug Manufacturing: Producing illegal drugs, such as growing marijuana or operating methamphetamine labs.
- Possession with Intent to Distribute: Possessing a large quantity of drugs with the intention to sell or distribute them.
If you are facing federal drug charges in Los Angeles, taking immediate action is crucial. Contact our federal drug crime attorney today at (310) 448-1529 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Attorney Arash Hashemi will provide you with the strategic defense you need to pursue the best possible outcome in your case.
What You Need to Know About Federal Drug Trafficking Laws in Los Angeles
Federal drug trafficking laws are complex and carry some of the most severe penalties in the criminal justice system. Drug trafficking refers to the transportation, distribution, or sale of controlled substances in large quantities, particularly across state lines or international borders. Federal prosecutors take these cases extremely seriously, often working with agencies like the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) to target individuals or networks involved in large-scale operations.
For a drug to be considered part of a trafficking case, it must be classified as a controlled substance. Controlled substances fall into five different schedules under the Controlled Substances Act, with Schedule I drugs like heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, and LSD being among the most tightly regulated. Even prescription medications such as Oxycontin and Vicodin can lead to trafficking charges if large quantities are involved and there is intent to distribute.
Federal drug trafficking laws can be applied in many scenarios, including:
- Selling drugs or agreeing to sell them.
- Transporting drugs across state or international borders with the intent to distribute.
- Aiding or conspiring with others to move drugs, even if you aren’t the one directly handling them.
- Growing, manufacturing, or producing illegal drugs.
What sets drug trafficking apart from other drug crimes, such as simple possession, is the scale of the operation. Federal cases often involve organized networks that manage the production and distribution of drugs over a wide area, sometimes involving other criminal activities like money laundering or illegal weapons trafficking. Even though marijuana is legal in California for recreational and medicinal use, it is still considered a Schedule I drug under federal law. This means you can still face federal trafficking charges if you transport marijuana across state lines, especially in large quantities.
Types of Federal Drug Charges in Los Angeles
Federal drug crimes are some of the most aggressively prosecuted offenses in Los Angeles, especially when they involve large-scale operations or the transportation of drugs across state or international borders. Below are the most common federal drug charges that individuals may face.
Drug Trafficking
Federal drug trafficking charges are among the most severe in the criminal justice system. Trafficking involves the transportation, sale, or distribution of large quantities of controlled substances, such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, or even marijuana. These charges apply when drugs cross state lines or involve complex networks of distribution. Prosecutors work closely with federal agencies like the DEA to target these large-scale operations, often leading to mandatory minimum sentences and significant fines. The penalties for drug trafficking are extremely harsh, and convictions can result in decades of imprisonment.
Drug Manufacturing
This charges occur when someone is involved in producing illegal drugs, whether by operating methamphetamine labs, growing marijuana on a large scale, or synthesizing other controlled substances like ecstasy. Federal law heavily punishes anyone involved in the production process, especially when the intent is to distribute. These cases often result in lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines, especially if the operation is linked to a larger network. If you are facing drug manufacturing charges, it is critical to have an experienced federal drug crimes attorney to challenge the evidence and protect your rights.
Drug Distribution
Federal drug distribution charges apply when illegal substances are moved or sold, particularly across state or international borders. The federal government aggressively prosecutes distribution cases involving large-scale operations, organized networks, or drug sales that span across different states. Convictions for drug distribution can result in significant prison time, fines, and potential asset forfeiture, where the government seizes property related to the crime. Even distributing prescription medications like opioids can lead to federal charges if done illegally.
Possession with Intent to Distribute
A charge of possession with intent to distribute applies when law enforcement finds large amounts of drugs in a person’s possession, suggesting the drugs are not for personal use but for sale or distribution. Prosecutors look at factors such as the quantity of drugs, the way they are packaged, and whether there are items like scales or large sums of cash involved. Penalties for this charge are severe, often including mandatory minimum sentences, large fines, and lengthy prison terms. It’s essential to have a skilled federal drug crimes attorney to challenge these accusations and seek the best possible outcome.
Conspiracy
Federal drug conspiracy charges arise when two or more individuals agree to commit a drug-related crime, such as trafficking or distribution, even if the crime was not completed. The prosecution only needs to prove that there was an agreement to engage in illegal activity and at least one overt act was taken to further that conspiracy. These charges are extremely serious, as conspiracy can carry the same penalties as the underlying drug crime, including long prison sentences and substantial fines. Conspiracy cases often involve complex legal issues, making it crucial to have an experienced federal drug crimes attorney who can carefully examine the evidence and challenge the prosecution’s case.
Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties
Penalties for federal drug trafficking are extremely harsh and depend on the type of drug and the quantity involved. Under federal law, convictions for drug trafficking offenses often come with mandatory minimum sentences, meaning even first-time offenders could face years in federal prison.
For example, trafficking 5 kilograms or more of cocaine or 1 kilogram or more of heroin carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years. Similarly, trafficking 500 grams or more of methamphetamine results in a 10-year minimum sentence. The larger the amount of drugs involved, the steeper the penalties become. In some cases, penalties can be increased based on aggravating factors, such as if the offense involved a violent crime, organized criminal activity, or trafficking to vulnerable groups like minors. Repeat offenders or those with prior drug convictions face even harsher penalties, including life imprisonment without parole.
In addition to long-term imprisonment, federal drug trafficking convictions can result in:
- Fines ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.
- Asset forfeiture, where the government seizes any property believed to be connected to the drug operation, including homes, vehicles, and financial assets.
- Loss of civil rights, such as the right to vote or own firearms.
- Deportation for non-citizens.
Legal Defenses against Federal Drug Crimes
Illegal Search and Seizure
A powerful defense in many federal drug cases involves challenging how evidence was obtained. Under the Fourth Amendment, you are protected against unlawful searches and seizures. If law enforcement conducted a search without a valid warrant or failed to establish probable cause, any evidence they collected—such as drugs or paraphernalia—can be excluded from the case. This could lead to a significant weakening of the prosecution’s argument or even result in dismissal.
Lack of Knowledge or Intent
To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove that you knowingly possessed or distributed the drugs with criminal intent. If your attorney can demonstrate that you were unaware of the drugs (e.g., if the drugs were hidden in your car by someone else), or if there is insufficient evidence of intent to distribute, your charges could be reduced or dismissed. This defense is particularly useful in cases where multiple people had access to the drugs.
Entrapment
Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers or informants induce someone to commit a crime they wouldn’t have otherwise engaged in. If federal agents pressured, coerced, or manipulated you into committing a drug-related offense, your attorney can argue that you were entrapped. This defense is particularly relevant when undercover operations involve questionable tactics or undue influence by authorities.
Challenging the Evidence
Federal drug cases often hinge on complex evidence such as lab reports, chain of custody, and witness statements. An experienced attorney will scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence for any inconsistencies, errors, or lapses in protocol. For example, mishandling evidence during storage or transport, or mistakes in forensic testing, can be grounds to challenge the credibility of the prosecution’s case.
Constitutional Violations
Violations of your constitutional rights can significantly impact a federal drug case. If your Miranda rights were not read at the time of arrest, or if your due process rights were compromised in any way, your attorney can argue for the suppression of evidence or even dismissal of the charges. Any breach of your constitutional protections can seriously undermine the prosecution’s case and may lead to more favorable outcomes for you.
Frequently Asked Questions on Federal Drug Crime Defense in Los Angeles
How Can a Federal Drug Crime Attorney Help My Case?
A federal drug crime attorney plays a crucial role in defending your case. They will thoroughly investigate the charges against you, examine the evidence, and develop legal strategies aimed at reducing or dismissing charges. Experienced attorneys know how to challenge unlawful searches, entrapment, or unreliable witness testimony. They can also negotiate with federal prosecutors to secure favorable plea deals or lighter sentences, and they are skilled at navigating the complexities of federal court procedures.
What Should I Do If I’m Charged with a Federal Drug Crime?
If you are charged with a federal drug crime, it’s vital to remain silent and avoid making any statements to federal agents without legal representation. The first step is to contact an experienced federal drug defense attorney immediately. They can help you understand the charges, advise you on your rights, and begin building a defense strategy. Quick action is essential in federal cases, as investigations are often extensive and built over time.
Can Federal Drug Charges Be Reduced or Dismissed?
Yes, federal drug charges can sometimes be reduced or even dismissed, but this depends on the specifics of your case. A skilled attorney may challenge the legality of the search that led to the discovery of the drugs or question the credibility of the government’s evidence. In some cases, the prosecution may be willing to negotiate a plea agreement that reduces the charges or the sentence in exchange for cooperation or other factors. However, federal prosecutors tend to be aggressive, so having an experienced federal drug crime attorney today critical to achieving the best possible outcome.
Contact Our Experienced Los Angeles Federal Drug Crime Attorney
Facing federal drug charges is an extremely serious matter that can result in long-term imprisonment, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record. Federal drug cases often involve aggressive prosecution, and the penalties are much more severe than those imposed by state law. At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we have over 20 years of experience defending clients against complex federal drug charges, including drug trafficking, distribution, and possession with intent to sell.
We understand how overwhelming a federal drug charge can be, and we will work tirelessly to build a strong defense on your behalf. From challenging the evidence to negotiating with federal prosecutors, Attorney Hashemi is dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing the best possible outcome. Whether you are under investigation or have already been charged, don’t wait to seek experienced legal help.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
- Phone: (310) 448-1529
- Schedule Your Free 15-Minute Consultation: Conveniently book online through our secure system.
- Email: Contact@hashemilaw.com
- Address: 11845 W Olympic Blvd #520, Los Angeles, CA 90064
- Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, with flexible scheduling options available, including weekend appointments.
Our office is located in Westside Towers, serving clients throughout Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Westwood. Contact us today for the experienced legal representation you need to fight your federal drug charges.
