Charles G. White Aggressively Defends Clients Against Major Drug Charges

While state penalties for drug distribution, trafficking and manufacturing are severe, federal penalties surpass even those of the stricter states. The Drug Enforcement Agency aggressively pursues those it believes to be high-level drug players and can quickly bring your business and your life to a halt if they target you. These agents are particularly active in Florida. Therefore, it is wise to contact an experienced federal drug crimes lawyer like Charles White, P.A. at the first sign you have been singled out by the DEA or U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Drug Crimes Under Federal Jurisdiction

There is a great deal of overlap between federal and state jurisdiction when it comes to drug crimes. However, federal authorities generally leave smaller drug prosecutions to the states, even when they could choose to exercise jurisdiction. The DEA and federal prosecutors concentrate their efforts on cases involving the importation, manufacture or transportation of substantial amounts of controlled substances, especially those coming from outside the United States. Federal authorities may also bring conspiracy charges against those who have aided drug traffickers. Federal agents and prosecutors are aggressive in this area and have significant resources at their disposal. Their investigations are methodical and can last months or years. Therefore, if you wait until you have been formally charged to seek legal representation, you may have already compromised your drug defense.

Federal Controlled Substance Penalties

One of the incentives for the police to initiate Federal prosecutions of drug conspiracies are the severe penalties provided by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.  At sentencing for any Federal drug offense, the judge will consider what is called an Advisory Guideline Range that is based upon the amount of drugs, the role of the defendant in the conspiracy, the presence of firearms utilized by the conspirators, and the existence of any crimes of violence committed in the course of the conspiracy.  In addition, the Federal sentencing laws provide for minimum mandatory sentences based upon the quantity of drugs.  For instance, possession of  280 grams of crack cocaine, five (5) kilograms of powder cocaine, one thousand (1,000) kilograms of marijuana or marijuana plants would carry a minimum mandatory of ten (10) years in prison, and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.  The accompanying list details Federal Minimum Mandatory Sentencing statutes for Drug cases.

When the Federal Government uses Federal drug conspiracy laws to prosecute persons it believes are criminally associated with drug organizations, it will typically seek to apply as many of the criminal acts of the alleged coconspirators to determining the Advisory Guideline Sentence for any defendant.  Charles G. White has knowledge and experience in applying the Federal Sentencing Guidelines for the benefit of his clients.  He has been dealing with the Federal Sentencing Guidelines since they were promulgated back in 1987.  Thoroughly understanding the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and the case law that has interpreted them over the last 28 years is essential in any successful defense against Federal drug conspiracy charges.  If you want more information about the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, go to the attached link.

Sentencing Guidelines

Build a defense against trafficking, manufacture and conspiracy charges

While any drug charge is serious, federal drug charges are in a class by themselves. If you are under investigation by the DEA or have been charged with drug distribution, manufacturing or conspiring to commit the same in Federal Court, Charles White, P.A. will use decades of experience to construct a comprehensive defense strategy to protect your rights, freedom and reputation. Call our main office today at 954-883-9240 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.