Drug crimes are the most common type of federal offenses. That’s because the U.S. government has a vested interest in stopping drug trafficking and manufacturing, as well as preventing people from using drugs. At the MacNeil Firm, our drug lawyer Bolingbrook Illinois has experience defending clients charged in federal court with a variety of crimes.
There are many different types of drug offenses that can land you in trouble with both state and federal law enforcement authorities. Some carry stiffer penalties than others. Contact us today at (708) 218-0947 or (708) 218-0947 for a free consultation.
Drug offenses
If you’re charged with a drug offense, your case could result in serious penalties. Drug offenses can be state or federal charges, which means that the prosecution has jurisdiction over them. The difference between state and federal crimes is that state crimes are prosecuted by local prosecutors while federal law enforcement agencies handle cases involving violations of federal laws.
Federal drug offenses are those that violate federal laws instead of state laws. The penalties for these crimes can be severe, but they depend on many factors including: the type of drug involved and how much of the substance was involved in the crime.
Federal drug charges include possession, intent to sell (selling drugs), and manufacturing, producing, and cultivating them. Some examples of illegal substances include marijuana, cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamines, and heroin, but there are many others too.
If you have been charged with a federal drug offense, it is important to understand what your options are and how to protect yourself. A federal criminal lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal system and ensure that your rights are upheld.
Intent to Sell
Intent to sell is a federal drug crime. According to the U.S. Code, intent can be proven in one of two ways. First, you had drugs with the intent of selling them. If you have more than five grams (about a teaspoon) of crack cocaine or 500 grams (about 1 pound) of heroin, it’s enough evidence for prosecutors to prove that you intended on selling the drugs.
Second, the quantity and quality of your drugs show that they were being prepared for sale rather than personal use. For example, if someone has 100 grams (about 3 ounces) of marijuana, but it’s divided into multiple bags, that might be considered evidence against them. It suggests they’re selling their product rather than using or sharing it themselves.
In Illinois, depending on the amount of the illegal substance found, you could be convicted of a Class X felony or Class 3 felony. It is very important that you have a drug lawyer Bolingbrook Illinois that can protect you and ensure you get the best outcome possible.
Trafficking and Distribution
As you may have guessed, trafficking charges are more serious than possession charges. In fact, they can lead to long prison sentences and fines that can affect your future.
Trafficking is selling or transporting drugs across state lines or internationally. That means that if you’re caught in the act of trafficking at an airport or seaport it’s a federal crime because those places are considered international borders by law.
A person who is in possession of drugs with the intent to distribute them will face the same penalties as someone who actually did deliver the drugs under Illinois law. The severity of the charges and penalties depends on a number of things, including the type of illegal substance in the individual’s possession and the amount of the drug that was intended for distribution.
According to The Illinois Controlled Substance Trafficking Act, it is illegal for anyone to transport dangerous drugs into Illinois. Also, under the Federal Controlled Substances Act, drug trafficking is against the law in the United States. In Illinois, trafficking and distribution are defined separately, so there can be multiple charges. If you have been charged with trafficking, our drug lawyer Bolingbrook Illinois at The MacNeil Firm is here to help.
Manufacturing
A drug manufacturing offense can be prosecuted as a federal crime if the substance is distributed across state lines or on federal property. If you are convicted of manufacturing drugs, you could face severe consequences, such as lengthy jail time and financial penalties.
The penalties that a person charged with manufacturing of controlled substances can face is dependent upon two factors. First, the type of substance manufactured. Second, the amount of the substance that is produced. For the vast majority of controlled substances, those who face charges of manufacturing the substance face the felony conviction.
At The MacNeil Firm, our drug lawyer Bolingbrook Illinois is here to fight for you
If you have been charged with a drug-related crime, you are facing serious consequences. These penalties can include fines and prison time. You need a drug lawyer Bolingbrook Illinois who understands federal drug laws and knows how to help you defend yourself from these charges. Contact our experienced criminal defense team today for a consultation.