Federal Drug Attorney Pennsylvania

DEFENDING FEDERAL DRUG CHARGES

Information on what happens when you face federal drug charges

An arrest for drugs or a controlled substance is nerve-racking, especially if you are charged federally, on top of Pennsylvania charges. This means you have two battles to fight to avoid the harshest of penalties, including spending time in federal prison.

An aggressive attorney who is qualified to represent you in the U.S. Federal Judiciary System is who you should speak with about defending your rights.

If you were charged or think you may be charged with a federal drug crime, such as drug trafficking or drug manufacturing, the minimum sentencing guidelines for a conviction include significant prison time and hefty fines.

In order to have the best chance of winning your case or lowering the charges, the help of a qualified and experienced federal drug attorney can help to protect your rights, freedom and reputation.

DEFENDING YOUR RIGHTS—An arrest is not a conviction.

At Ketchel Law, we are well versed in both Pennsylvania and federal court systems and can help you understand your rights and your options to fight against your charges.

If you were indicted on a federal drug crime, or think you may be charged or indicted, or are already under investigation, contact Attorney Justin J. Ketchel immediately for a free case evaluation.

 

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR FEDERAL DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.

Call 412-456-1221 for a free consultation

PITTSBURGH FEDERAL CRIME LAWYERS

 

WHAT HAPPENS IN A FEDERAL DRUG CRIME INVESTIGATION?

Most drug charges prosecuted in federal courts are for distribution of a controlled substance and drug trafficking (including sales and distribution). Unless you are charged with a large quantity of drugs, most drug possession cases are tried in State courts.

You may also be charged with drug manufacturing, also a Federal crime.

If you are charged with multiple drug offenses in both State and Federal courts, you will need a Federal Crime Attorney to represent you at the federal level.

While mandatory minimums apply in federal court, the judges are given some discretion in sentencing. A federal attorney can help you build a strong case to help keep the sentencing at a minimum or have some or all charges dismissed.

In a federal investigation, it is likely that you will be indicted. Federal investigators have extensive resources to retrieve your phone calls, messages, texts, emails, etc. If your case goes to trial, they will need to prove to a jury that a crime was committed beyond reasonable doubt.

A U.S. federal attorney is going to also conduct an investigation into your case to prove the opposite. This will include gathering witnesses, phone records and emails and other information to build an aggressive defense for your case.

You will need a federal attorney who thoroughly understands the details of a federal investigation and can aggressively fight for your innocence.

 

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR FEDERAL CHARGES DISMISSED.

Call 412-456-1221 for a free consultation

PITTSBURGH FEDERAL CRIME LAWYERS

 

Minimum Sentencing Guidelines for Federal Drug Crimes

The minimum sentencing guidelines for federal drug crime convictions are very harsh. Drugs fall into different “schedules” and those, along with the amount of drugs, will determine how severe the punishment. While judges often adhere to these guidelines, they have some leeway in lowering sentencing.

See this federal drug penalty chart for a full list of drug crimes and the penalties. Some examples follow below:

Federal Guidelines—Controlled Substances

Minimum Sentence of Five to Forty Years in Prison:

  • Cocaine: 500—4,999 grams
  • Heroin: 100—999 grams
  • LSD/Acid: 1—9 grams
  • Marijuana: 100—999 kilograms
  • Methamphetamine: 5—49 grams (pure)
  • PCP: 10—99 grams (pure)
  • Fentanyl: 40—399 grams

For a first offense, the minimum sentence also includes a $5 million dollar fine for individuals. Penalties increase with a second offense.

Federal Guidelines—Controlled Substances

Minimum Sentence of Ten Years to Life in Prison:

  • Cocaine: 5 kilograms or more
  • Heroin: 1 kilogram or more
  • LSD/Acid: 10 grams or more
  • Marijuana: Over 1,000 kilograms
  • Methamphetamine: Over 50 grams (pure)
  • PCP: Over 100 grams (pure )
  • Fentanyl: 400+ grams

For a first offense, the minimum sentence also includes a $10 million dollar fine for individuals. Penalties increase with a second offense.

How Ketchel Law Can Help

We are your personal defenders. We will stick with you from start to finish.

From the moment you engage Ketchel Law to represent you, we will work tirelessly to ensure every aspect of your defense is addressed at every phase. We will make certain you understand your rights and options to prepare you at every turn and we will fight to have your charges dropped or significantly reduced.

Our attorneys are well versed in federal laws and procedures and will work hard and aggressively to win your case. Our senior lawyers handle all cases personally from the grand jury investigation through the trial and appeal.

We know there are many circumstances that lead people to be charged for a crime they did not commit or whose constitutional rights were violated in the process of an investigation or arrest. This is especially true in illegal search and seizures and we will aggressively pursue any evidence suggesting police violated your rights.

We will work closely with you to find the best course of action in defending your rights and your freedom.

Learn more about Ketchel Law:

CALL KETCHEL LAW NOW FOR A FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION AT 412-456-1221.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR CHARGES DISMISSED.

CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221

FREE CONSULTATION