Federal Drug Crimes Attorney Cleveland

Get Defense for Federal Drug Charges in OH

Federal drug crimes can carry harsh penalties. Depending on the nature of the offense, a conviction can result in decades to life in prison and hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars in fines. And in some cases, a court must impose mandatory minimum sentences. If you have been accused of a federal drug crime, call Henderson, Mokhtari & Weatherly immediately. The Drug Enforcement Agency – the agency that enforces federal drug laws – will use its considerable resources to investigate your case, and a U.S. Attorney will work hard to prove you're guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Thus, you need a team on your side who will fight just as hard, if not harder, for you to protect your rights and freedom.

Our federal drug crimes attorneys in Cleveland have over 75 years of combined experience. We have handled thousands of cases, achieving optimal results for past clients. We can put in the time and effort needed to build an aggressive defense and effectively challenge the accusations made against you. Our federal drug lawyers can thoroughly prepare for your case and work relentlessly toward obtaining a favorable result on your behalf.

To speak with our Cleveland federal drug crime lawyers during a free consultation, call (216) 220-6776 or contact us online today.

Types of Federal Drug Crimes

Title 21 of the U.S. Code lists several kinds of prohibited conduct concerning drugs. The statutes apply to illegal substances, such as cocaine and heroin, as well as legal medications, such as Xanax and Ambien. Thus, even if a person has medicine that can be obtained from a doctor, if they don't have a valid prescription for it, they may be charged with a federal offense.

Some examples of federal drug crimes include:

• Manufacturing, creating, distributing, or dispensing a controlled or counterfeit substance;
• Possessing with intent to manufacture, create, distribute, or dispense a controlled or counterfeit substance;
• Possessing a controlled substance; and
• Dispensing a controlled substance over the internet

Regardless of the offense you've been charged with or the substance involved, our Cleveland federal drug crimes lawyers are here to provide the effective counsel you need to navigate your case. We are familiar with the federal justice process and can clearly explain the steps involved in resolving your matter and the possible outcomes.

Federal Drug Crimes Conviction Penalties

Upon a guilty verdict in a federal drug crimes case, the punishments a court can impose depend on several factors, including the type and amount of the substance, the defendant's criminal history, and the specifics of the offense.

For drug trafficking offenses, a few of the penalties are as follows:

• Cases involving:
  • 1 kilogram or more of a substance containing heroin;
  • 5 kilograms or more of a substance containing cocoa leaves, cocaine, or ecgonine;
  • 100 grams or more of PCP or 1 kilogram or more of a substance containing PCP;
  • 10 grams or more of a substance containing LSD;
  • 100 kilograms or more of a substance containing marijuana or 1,000 or more marijuana plants; or
  • 50 grams or more of methamphetamine or 500 grams or more of a substance containing meth

First offense: 10 years to life in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000,000 (if the defendant is an individual) or $50,000,000 (if the defendant is not an individual)

Second or subsequent offense: 20 years to life in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000,000 (if the defendant is an individual) or $75,000,000 (if the defendant is not an individual)

• Cases involving:
  • 100 grams or more of a substance containing heroin;
  • 500 grams or more of a substance containing cocoa leaves, cocaine, or ecgonine;
  • 10 grams or more of PCP or 100 grams or more of a substance containing PCP;
  • 1 gram or more of a substance containing LSD;
  • 100 kilograms or more of a substance containing marijuana or 100 or more marijuana plants; or
  • 5 grams or more of methamphetamine or 50 grams or more of a substance containing meth;

First offense: Between 5 and 40 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000,000 (if the defendant is an individual) or $25,000,000 (if the defendant is not an individual)

Second offense: 10 years to life in prison and/or a fine of up to $8,000,000 (if the defendant is an individual) or $50,000,000 (if the defendant is not an individual)

• Cases involving Schedule I or II controlled substances:

First offense: Up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000,000 (if the defendant is an individual) or $5,000,000 (if the defendant is not an individual)

Second offense: Up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,000,000 (if the defendant is an individual) or $10,000,000 (if the defendant is not an individual)

• Cases involving 50 kilograms or more of marijuana or 50 or more marijuana plants:

First offense: Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000 (if the defendant is an individual) or $1,000,000 (if the defendant is not an individual)

Second offense: Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $500,000 (if the defendant is an individual) or $2,000,000 (if the defendant is not an individual)

• Cases involving Schedule III controlled substances:

First offense: Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $500,000 (if the defendant is an individual) or $2,500,000 (if the defendant is not an individual)

Second offense: Up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $1,000,000 (if the defendant is an individual) or $5,000,000 (if the defendant is not an individual)

• Cases involving Schedule IV controlled substances:

First offense: Up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $250,000 (if the defendant is an individual) or $1,000,000 (if the defendant is not an individual)

Second offense: Up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $500,000 (if the defendant is an individual) or $2,000,000 (if the defendant is not an individual)

• Cases involving Schedule V controlled substances:

First offense: Up to 1 year of incarceration and/or a fine of up to $100,000 (if the defendant is an individual) or $250,000 (if the defendant is not an individual)

Second offense: Up to 4 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $200,000 (if the defendant is an individual) or $500,000 (if the defendant is not an individual)

The penalties for drug trafficking offenses may be enhanced if death or bodily injury occurred because of the substance's use or if the defendant possessed, brandished, or discharged a weapon during the commission of the crime.

Reach Out to Henderson, Mokhtari & Weatherly

Our federal drug crimes attorneys in Cleveland are experienced at handling controlled substances cases. We can fight aggressively for you.

For the legal representation you need, contact us at (216) 220-6776 to speak with our Cleveland federal drug crime lawyers.