South Carolina Federal Drug Defense Law Firm
When you're under investigation for a federal drug crime, you are dealing with the federal court system — a criminal justice system that is often more complex than the South Carolina state court system. In most situations, investigative and charging practices are different, as are court rules and sentencing options. Under federal sentencing guidelines, many drug offenses have harsher penalties when prosecuted in federal court.
By hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands the federal system, you can assure your rights will be protected through the entire criminal process. At the Law Offices of Richard J. Breibart, LLC, our Lexington federal drug crime defense lawyers will help you make the most of your options and defend you against the worst consequences of a federal drug conviction. To learn more, call 866-645-8743 or contact our office online.
Facing Federal Drug Crimes
Our attorneys are experienced in representing clients facing federal drug charges involving:
- Drug possession
- Drug trafficking
- Manufacture of drugs
- Distribution of drugs
- Conspiracy
- Attempted purchase of an illegal drug
- Drug crimes and gun possession
Federal drug sentences are very strict, including mandatory minimum sentences, and terms as long as life are possible. Many first-time offenses have sentences of five to 10 years. In addition to mandatory minimums in the federal court system, parole is not an option.
Determining your exposure depends upon prior criminal history, drug weight and your role in the crime. The quantity of a the particular drug — whether it is cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, methamphetamine, crack or even a prescription drug — determines sentencing and other penalties under federal law. Other factors that determine the consequences of a conviction include the drug's classification, the reason for possession (whether it was for personal use or otherwise) and where the alleged crime occurred (the closer to school grounds, the harsher the penalties).
Defending Against Federal Drug Indictments
Under federal law, you are usually charged based on the amount of drugs in your possession or the amount that you are trying to buy from an undercover agent. It does not matter if you never even actually possess the drugs — you can be charged simply for trying to buy them.
To understand a federal drug indictment, you have to understand federal sentencing guidelines. The drug quantity listed in the indictment is rarely the only amount used to determine how much prison time you could face. An experienced federal drug possession lawyer will help you understand the consequences of your charges and your options. For a free consultation to discuss your federal drug charges, contact our office online or call 866-645-8743. Our law firm defends clients against federal drug charges through the state, including communities such as Columbia, Spartanburg, Greenville and Florence.
