Texas Federal Drug Trafficking Attorney
Criminal Defense for Federal Drug Trafficking Charges in Texas and throughout the US
Drug trafficking is a serious crime in Texas, and in many cases, a person who is accused of manufacturing or distributing drugs will face federal charges. Drug trafficking crimes may be charged at the federal level if they allegedly involved transporting controlled substances across state lines or into the United States from other countries. Manufacturing or distributing large quantities of drugs or engaging in drug conspiracies related to organized criminal activity may also result in federal drug trafficking charges.
If you have been accused of a federal drug charge in Texas, you will need to immediately seek representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney. At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., our lawyers understand how to navigate these complex cases, and we can work with you to defend against a conviction. We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of federal criminal cases, and with our knowledge of the laws and our experience working with federal officials, we can help you determine the best defense strategies to use in your case.
Federal Charges for Drug Trafficking in Texas
Federal law (21 U.S.C. § 841) prohibits the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of controlled substances. While small-scale drug operations may result in state-level charges for drug manufacturing or trafficking, federal charges may apply in cases involving large amounts of drugs or the transportation and distribution of drugs in multiple states or countries. Possession of large amounts of controlled substances with the intent to distribute them to others may also result in federal drug trafficking charges.
The specific penalties for drug trafficking will usually depend on the types of controlled substances involved in a case and the amount of drugs that a person possessed, manufactured, or distributed. The most serious charges will apply in cases involving large amounts of "hard drugs, " including at least one kilogram of heroin, five kilograms of cocaine, 100 grams of PCP, 10 grams of LSD, 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, or 50 grams of methamphetamine. In these cases, a person who is convicted may be sentenced to between 10 years and life in prison and fined up to $10 million for a first offense, and a second offense may result in a sentence of 15 years to life and a $20 million fine. If an offense results in a person's death or serious bodily injury due to the use of drugs, a person may be sentenced to between 20 years and life in prison.
In cases involving more than 100 grams of heroin, 500 grams of cocaine, 10 grams of PCP, one gram of LSD, 100 grams of marijuana, or five grams of methamphetamine, a person may be sentenced to between five and 40 years for a first offense and fined up to $5 million. A second offense may result in a sentence of 10 years to life and a fine of $8 million. Trafficking of other drugs that are classified in Schedule I or Schedule II, including ecstasy, peyote, hydrocodone (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin), methadone, fentanyl, Adderall, or Ritalin, may result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of $1 million for a first offense and up to 30 years and a fine of $2 million for a second offense.
Cases involving Schedule III drugs, including ketamine and anabolic steroids, may result in a maximum 10-year sentence and a $500,000 fine for a first offense and a maximum 20-year sentence for a second offense. Trafficking of Schedule IV drugs, including Xanax, Valium, or Ambien, as well as trafficking of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana, may result in a maximum sentence of five years and a $250,000 fine for a first offense and a maximum sentence of 10 years and a $500,000 fine for a second offense. In cases involving Schedule V drugs, including Lyrica or Motofen, a first offense may result in a sentence of up to one year and a $100,000 fine, and a second offense may result in a sentence of up to four years and a $200,000 fine.
Contact Our Texas Federal Drug Trafficking Charges Attorney
If you are facing federal drug trafficking charges in Texas, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney. At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we can help you understand your options, and we will work with you to craft a defense strategy that will allow you to resolve your case successfully. Contact us today at 214-544-0061 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can assist with your case.