Most drug-related charges are state crimes. Different states treat such crimes differently. Penalties can be steep, but the trend is in the other direction as it pertains to relatively minor drug charges, which many states are decriminalizing. Federal drug charges, however, are an entirely different ball game. Almost all federal drug trafficking charges carry jail time, with prison sentences generally starting at several years and going up from there as the amount of drugs involved increases. Federal drug trafficking charges account for nearly a third of all federal drug charges. In 2017, more than 19,000 out of 67,000 people charged with federal drug crimes were charged with drug trafficking, and the Southern District of Texas, which includes Houston, is in the top five federal court districts in the nation for drug trafficking prosecutions.
Unlike state drug possession charges, where the amount of drugs involved is smaller, federal trafficking charges involve larger amounts of drugs – often much larger. Federal penalties for trafficking and distribution charges are severe. These penalties are imposed for convictions for the selling, transportation, or importation of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and a number of other drugs. Trafficking charges are felonies, with no requirement that the government prove that you intended to sell the drugs – trafficking charges are based on the amount of drugs involved.
Federal Trafficking Charges Carry Steep Penalties
Almost everyone convicted on federal drug trafficking charges will face at least some prison time. Federal statistics show that:
- More than 95% of convicted drug traffickers get prison time
- For those convicted of drug trafficking, the average sentence was about 70 months
That average does not reflect the potential sentences for drug trafficking. Even being convicted of having the smallest amount of drugs that are subject to federal trafficking charges carries potentially significant penalties. Minimum sentences are potentially:
- At least 5 years and up to 40 years for possession of 500 grams to 4,999 grams of cocaine – the lowest amount subject to trafficking charges (although amounts vary for various other drugs), with fines of up to $2 million or more
- For second-offense charges, the penalty can be at least 10 years up to life in prison.
- With larger amounts of drugs subject to federal trafficking charges a first-time offense can draw a sentence of at least 10 years. A second offense can land you in prison for at least 20 years, with up to life being a real possibility. In addition, you could face fines ranging from $4 million to $10 million.
Federal drug charges – and especially trafficking charges – can result in you saying goodbye to freedom for a very long time. Combined with the other consequences of a long prison stay – good luck finding a decent job after five years in prison, not to mention other personal and professional ramifications – federal drug or trafficking charges can permanently derail your life plans.
If You are Facing Federal Drug Charges in The Houston Area, Talk to Madrid Law Firm
Criminal charges are, without exception, serious business. Federal drug charges – especially federal drug trafficking charges – can be even more serious. If you need a criminal defense lawyer with the experience to help you put together a defense and achieve the best outcome possible, you should talk to the Madrid Law Firm.
