Drug Crimes
» Print This PageExperienced Texas Federal Drug Crime Defense Attorney
Drug crimes carry serious penalties in federal cases. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutes cases involving both illegal and prescription drugs, and it works with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other federal, state, and international law enforcement authorities to gather the evidence needed to target individuals and organizations in the U.S. and abroad. Due to the substantial risks involved in these cases, representation by a highly experienced Dallas federal drug crime defense lawyer is essential.
Dallas federal drug crime defense lawyer Michael Lowe has decades of experience representing clients in federal drug cases and other high-stakes federal criminal matters. If you are facing an investigation or federal charges, he can help you—but it is important that you get in touch promptly. Time is not on your side, and the sooner you engage defense counsel to intervene in the government’s investigation or represent you in court, the better your chances will be of avoiding unnecessary consequences.
Federal Drug Cases We Handle
Our firm handles all types of federal drug cases in Texas. With offices in Dallas, we handle cases statewide. We are able to provide representation in cross-border drug enforcement matters as well, and we have the resources and capabilities required to provide effective representation in multi-state federal drug takedowns and other large-scale investigations.
The federal drug cases we handle include:
Drug Manufacturing and Cultivation
We defend clients who are facing accusations of manufacturing methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and other scheduled drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. We also defend clients who are accused of operating illegal marijuana growing operations in Texas and elsewhere.
Drug Trafficking
We also defend clients who are accused of trafficking in methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and other federally controlled substances. As discussed below, manufacturing, cultivation, trafficking, and various other drug-related offenses are all generally subject to the same penalties under federal law.
Drug Importing and Exporting
We handle drug importing and exporting cases involving drugs moving in and out of the United States across the southern border, as well as by boat and by plane. These cases often involve multiple law enforcement agencies, and they often involve the risk of facing multiple charges for federal drug-related and non-drug-related offenses.
Prescription Drug Crimes
We handle federal prescription drug cases as well. Dallas federal drug crime defense lawyer Michael Lowe has extensive experience representing health care providers facing scrutiny under the Controlled Substances Act and other federal laws. This includes representing health care providers who are facing scrutiny related to allegations of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration violations, prescription drug diversion, and other prescription drug-related offenses.
Other Federal Drug Crimes
Along with the federal drug crimes discussed above, we also defend clients who are facing charges for other federal drug-related offenses. This includes (but is not limited to) offenses such as:
- Internet sales of date rape drugs
- Internet sales of other controlled substances
- Wrongful possession or distribution of listed chemicals
- Drug-related weapons offenses
- Drug-related financial crimes
In all cases, federal drug crime investigations present serious risks. To learn more about the risks you are facing and the defenses you can use to fight your federal drug crime case, schedule a confidential consultation with Texas federal drug crime defense attorney Michael Lowe today.
How the Federal Government Investigates and Prosecutes Drug Crimes
There are several steps involved in federal drug crime cases, and each step in the process presents both opportunities and risks for targeted individuals and organizations. Working closely with an experienced Texas federal drug crime defense attorney is essential for avoiding mistakes—and, once you engage an attorney to represent you, your attorney will be able to communicate with federal agents and prosecutors on your behalf with the goal of achieving a favorable resolution as quickly and quietly as possible.
In broad strokes, the typical steps in a federal drug crime case include:
1. Informal Investigation
Federal drug crime cases often begin informally. Responding to a tip, whistleblower complaint, or information received from another law enforcement authority, federal agents will begin the process of collecting the evidence needed to substantiate federal charges.
2. Subpoenas and Search Warrants
In many cases, targets will find out that they are under investigation when they receive a subpoena or federal agents show up at their door with a search warrant. If you have received a subpoena or been served with a search warrant in connection with a federal drug crime investigation, you should consult with experienced defense counsel as soon as possible.
3. Grand Jury Subpoena
If prosecutors at the DOJ believe they have the evidence they need to pursue charges, they will initiate the federal grand jury process. Federal prosecutors can subpoena targets to testify before grand juries, and preparing to testify before a federal grand jury requires experienced legal representation as well.
4. Grand Jury Indictment
A grand jury indictment indicates that federal prosecutors have demonstrated that there is probable cause to pursue charges in federal court. Once you have been indicted, your case will be set for trial, and avoiding trial will involve either negotiating a plea deal or convincing the judge that your case should be dismissed for substantive or procedural reasons.
5. Prosecution in Federal District Court
If it isn’t possible to resolve your federal drug case prior to trial, you will need to be prepared to present a comprehensive and strategic defense in federal district court. If the judge or jury finds you guilty, your case will proceed to sentencing—at which stage you could be facing substantial fines and prison time.
Potential Penalties in Federal Drug Cases
Under the federal Controlled Substances Act (18 U.S.C. Section 841), it is illegal to willfully or intentionally “manufacture, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a controlled substance.” All of these offenses are generally subject to the same penalties. In the most serious cases, these penalties include:
- A federal prison term of 10 years to life (20 years to life in cases involving serious injury or death);
- Criminal fines imposed in accordance with Title 18 of the U.S. Code; and,
- Additional criminal fines of up to $10 million for individuals and $50 million for organizations.
While lesser penalties apply in some cases (i.e., those involving relatively small quantities and certain Schedule III and IV drugs), these penalties still include substantial fines and long-term imprisonment. The DOJ will often pursue charges for money laundering and other related offenses as well—and this can significantly increase the risks involved in facing prosecution.
FAQs: Federal Drug Crime Defense
What Should I Do if I Have Been Contacted by the DEA, DOJ, or FBI Regarding an Alleged Drug Crime in Texas?
If you have been contacted by the DEA, DOJ, or FBI for any reason, you should consult with experienced federal defense counsel as soon as possible. If you are at risk of facing charges for a federal drug crime, you will need a defense lawyer who has specific experience handling high-stakes federal drug crime cases.
When Do I Need to Hire a Texas Federal Drug Crime Defense Attorney?
It is in your best interests to hire a Texas federal drug crime defense attorney as soon as you find out that you are at risk of facing federal charges. You should not want to see if you get charged. If you get charged, several options for resolving your case will go away, and this will give federal prosecutors time to build their case against you.
How Can I Defend Against Federal Drug Charges?
Defending against federal drug charges starts with gaining a clear and comprehensive understanding of the allegations against you. Once you hire an experienced Dallas federal drug crime defense lawyer, your lawyer will be able to assess the charges you are facing and determine what defenses you have available.
What if I Can’t Successfully Defend Against Federal Drug Charges?
It is important not to make any assumptions about the strength of the government’s case when you are facing federal drug charges in Texas. Regardless of the facts at hand, you may have a variety of defenses available, and it is critical that you consult with an experienced Dallas federal drug crime defense lawyer before you make any decisions about your next steps.
Should I Consider a Plea Deal in My Federal Drug Case in Texas?
While targeting a plea deal will make sense in some cases, again, you need to ensure that you are making informed and strategic decisions based on the specific facts at hand. If you have options for resolving your case without entering into a plea deal, you should not accept any consequences unnecessarily.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation with Dallas Federal Drug Crime Lawyer Michael Lowe
If you are under investigation or facing federal drug charges in Texas, we encourage you to contact us right away. To arrange a confidential consultation with Dallas federal drug crime lawyer Michael Lowe, call 214-526-1900 or contact us online now.
