A: The maximum punishment for federal drug trafficking is life in prison, but this is dependent on many different contributing factors. Trafficking in substantial amounts of certain controlled substances, such as heroin or cocaine, can result in a prison sentence of anywhere between 10 years and life. Any prior convictions or aggravating factors will apply as well when determining sentencing.
Memphis Federal Drug Trafficking Lawyer
Federal Drug Trafficking Attorney In Memphis, TN
Facing drug charges of any kind can be significant, difficult, and stressful to deal with, especially if those charges are at the federal level. Drug trafficking can be a federal offense if it crosses state lines or national borders, involves federally owned land, or is somehow connected to organized crime, among other factors. Regardless, it’s very important for the success of your case that you hire an experienced Memphis federal drug trafficking lawyer to defend you.
The legal team at Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC can see your case through to the end while working toward a positive outcome. You can’t underestimate the work of a Memphis federal drug trafficking attorney. Having the right people defending you can be crucial for success. You will want someone who understands federal drug trafficking laws and has experience in handling federal drug trafficking cases.
Why Should You Hire a Federal Drug Trafficking Lawyer?
There are many significant reasons why you should hire a federal drug trafficking lawyer. Above all, you will want someone on your side who realizes how high the stakes are for you. The legal team at Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC recognizes the difficulties ahead. One of our founding partners, Luke A. Evans, has significant litigation experience, and he is licensed to practice in every federal district court in Tennessee. Our team can thoroughly protect your interests.
According to recent data collected by the United States Sentencing Commission, federal drug crimes occur in Tennessee fairly frequently. In just 2024 alone, there were over 1,200 federal cases that involved drug crimes of some kind, particularly possession and trafficking. If you end up facing federal drug charges yourself, being aware of the trends in your state may help your case and make you feel like less of a statistic. Contact a lawyer as soon as you can for knowledgeable counsel.
As you deal with the emotional fallout of federal drug trafficking charges, it’s okay to take a moment and figure out your next steps. Your case is likely going to be a significant source of stress for you, and you may want to consider reaching out to your attorney for extra help in grounding yourself and talking through your justifiable fears.
Defenses Against Federal Drug Trafficking Charges
Getting arrested is far from the end of your case. In many ways, an arrest is really the beginning of what could be a lengthy legal battle, with your freedom on the line. The penalties you could face at the federal level could be significant, but they are also dependent on the details of your case, particularly the drug in question, your past criminal history, and potential aggravating factors. Here are some defenses your attorney could use:
- Duress. It’s entirely possible that, while you did commit the crimes in question, you only did so under duress. Your lawyer might prove that there is someone else responsible for making you participate in federal drug trafficking by threatening you, your family, or violence on others. If your lawyer can prove that you acted under duress, you might secure a lesser sentence.
- Lack of intent. To secure a conviction, the prosecution needs to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Technically, all your lawyer really needs to do to succeed in your case is introduce reasonable doubt. One surefire way of doing this is proving a lack of intent. If the prosecution can’t actually prove that you intended to commit a crime or that you even knew about the drugs, that can be enough.
- Illegal search. Generally, American citizens are protected from illegal search and seizure by the Constitution, particularly the Fourth Amendment. Law enforcement officers need either an enforceable and valid warrant or probable cause to search your home or vehicle. However, this may not stop some officers. If your attorney can prove that you were the victim of an illegal search, that could render all evidence gathered in that search inadmissible.
If your case must go to court, it will be tried at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee.
FAQs
Q: How Can I Get Federal Charges Dropped?
A: There are many ways you could get federal charges dropped, but none of them are easy. It’s important to remember that there are never any guarantees. Some situations that could result in getting the charges against you dropped include insufficient evidence, prosecutorial misconduct, or the negotiation of a plea bargain. Your lawyer can make a plan that could involve any of these factors if they exist in your case.
Q: What Makes a Drug Case a Federal Case?
A: Many different factors can turn a state investigation into a federal investigation. For a drug case to turn federal, it must:
- Cross state lines or international borders.
- Take place on federal land.
- Involve large quantities of drugs clearly intended for distribution.
- Involve organized crime to some degree.
Other factors could eventually lead to federal charges, but every case is unique.
Q: Should I Hire a Lawyer for My Case?
A: Yes, you should hire a lawyer for your case. The penalties you could suffer when facing federal drug trafficking charges can be significant. You could even end up serving life in prison. You don’t want to end up without any legal help, dealing with a seasoned prosecutor on your own. Having the knowledge and advocacy of a seasoned defense lawyer can be crucial for securing a positive outcome.
Contact Us Today
At Evans Bulloch Parker PLLC, we can put together a strong case and fight the charges being made against you. Contact us to speak to a valued member of our legal team today at Memphis, TN.
Memphis, TN Federal Drug Trafficking Resources
When does possession become drug trafficking?