A: Beating a federal drug case won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible. The first thing you want to do is secure an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer who can put together a strong defense strategy. Your lawyer may want to question the legality of the actual search, challenge the evidence gathered in that search, and find flaws in the prosecution’s case.
Chattanooga Federal Drug Trafficking Lawyer
Federal Drug Trafficking Attorney In Chattanooga, TN
It can be overwhelming to face drug charges of any kind, particularly federal drug charges. Of all the various drug crimes you could face penalties for, drug trafficking is one that’s taken quite seriously by both state and federal law enforcement agencies. It’s vital that you retain legal counsel immediately and start building a strong defense for your case. As you navigate this ordeal, an experienced Chattanooga federal drug trafficking lawyer can support and advocate for you.
The legal team at Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC recognizes how difficult it can be to put together a case against federal drug trafficking charges. You will want a Chattanooga federal drug trafficking attorney by your side to argue your case. It’s important that you hire someone with considerable experience in handling federal drug trafficking cases. You also need someone who understands the finer details of federal drug trafficking laws. We possess these qualities and can compellingly defend your case.
Why Hire a Federal Drug Trafficking Lawyer?
There are many substantial reasons why you should hire a federal drug trafficking lawyer. Above all, you want to make sure you have the right advocate when dealing with federal charges, which may be out of your control and difficult to fully understand. At Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC, we can provide you with strong representation and knowledgeable counsel. One of our founders, Luke A. Evans, can practice in all of Tennessee’s federal district courts, and he has considerable litigation experience.
According to recent statistical information collected by the United States Sentencing Commission, federal drug crimes are far from rare in Tennessee. Just in 2024, there were over 1,200 federal drug-related cases sentenced in the state. These include cases involving possession and trafficking alike. If you find yourself facing federal drug charges, you must act quickly by hiring a criminal defense lawyer to fight the charges.
As you navigate the complexities of a federal drug trafficking case, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, confused, and worried. This is a significant situation, and taking it seriously is healthy. You may want to consider reaching out to your attorney for support and reassurance. Talking through your fears and concerns can be therapeutic and beneficial, especially if your attorney has represented others who’ve dealt with similar problems.
Possible Defenses Against Drug Trafficking Charges
When you get arrested for drug trafficking, you may feel like you’ve already lost. Getting arrested can feel like the end, when it’s really only the beginning of what could be a costly and lengthy court battle for your freedom. The penalties you could face in a federal drug trafficking case depend largely on the details of your case, particularly the drug and the quantity of it. Here are some possible defense strategies your attorney may use for your case:
- Lack of intent. One of the most important elements of the prosecution’s case is intent. To secure a conviction, they will need to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and proving intent is a significant part of that process. If there is no evidence of intent, or your lawyer can argue that you had a complete lack of knowledge of the events in question, that may be enough to at least introduce reasonable doubt.
- Illegal search. Thankfully, every free American citizen is protected from illegal search and seizure by the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. Law enforcement cannot legally search your home or vehicle unless they have a valid search warrant or probable cause that a crime is being committed. If they have neither and still search you, that could render any evidence found in that search inadmissible in court.
- Duress. In some cases, your attorney can prove that, while you did participate in federal drug trafficking, you only did so under duress. There may be someone else who forced you to commit these crimes under threat of violence. If you can prove that you were threatened or coerced into committing certain crimes, you might negotiate a lesser sentence.
If you are going to trial, it will be held in the Chattanooga Division of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee.
FAQs
Q: How Many Grams Is a Felony in Tennessee?
A: The amount of illegal drugs that constitutes a felony in Tennessee depends entirely on the drug in question. For example, possessing more than half an ounce of marijuana can be a felony, but possessing more than half a gram of cocaine can be a more serious felony. Since drug trafficking involves significant amounts of illegal drugs, it is always charged as a felony.
Q: How Much Time Do You Get for a Federal Drug Charge?
A: The amount of time you could get for a federal drug charge depends on many different contributing factors. These include:
- The type of drug
- The amount of it in your possession
- Your past criminal history
- Certain aggravating factors that may be present in your case
Some drug charges come with mandatory minimums that are generally unavoidable in federal cases.
Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations on Federal Drug Trafficking?
A: Generally, the statute of limitations on federal drug trafficking is five years from the date of the initial offense. This means federal prosecutors have five years to build up a case and bring formal charges against the alleged offender. If they can’t do that in five years, the offender can use the expiration of the statute of limitations as a defense to get their charges totally dismissed.
Contact a Lawyer Today
At Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC, we know what kind of legal support you will need to have a strong case against federal drug trafficking charges. Contact us to speak to a member of our team today.
Chattanooga, TN Federal Drug Trafficking Resources
When does possession become drug trafficking?