In addition to carrying a stigma, drug crimes are punishable by fines, jail time, probation, community service, and other penalties. However, most drug crimes are state level offenses. This means that each state has its own laws for how to punish offenders. If you are arrested for crossing state lines with drugs, you may be charged with drug trafficking, a federal offense.
Federal crimes are much more serious than state level offenses. If convicted, you face lengthy incarceration in a federal prison system and costly fines. Following are the penalties you face for trafficking cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, LSD, methamphetamine:
- First offense — If you are arrested for trafficking the above drugs, depending on weight, you face a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in a federal prison. In the event that someone suffers injury or death as a result of the commission of a drug crime, you face between 20 years and life imprisonment. In addition to incarceration, you face fines of up $2 million for individuals and $5 million for organizations.
- Second offense — Subsequent offenses result in harsher penalties. If the police arrest you for a second drug trafficking offense, the minimum prison time you face is 10 years, and the maximum jumps to a life sentence. The fine for individuals also increases from $2 to $4 million.
It is important to realize that these penalties are based on two factors: the type of drug and the amount being trafficked. If the amount increases past a certain threshold, the punishments increase substantially.
Drug trafficking also includes the illegal distribution of prescription drugs such as pain killers, including hydrocodone products and pharmaceutical opiates.
When you are charged with a federal crime, you face the full authority and power of the federal government. In addition to possible prison time, your assets could be seized and your reputation ruined. Only a skilled and knowledgeable Wyoming federal drug crime defense attorney can present the legal arguments needed to protect your rights and mount a successful defense.
Contact a skilled team of federal defense lawyers in Wyoming
For more than 35 years, Davis & Cannon, LLP, has defended the rights of Americans accused of drug trafficking and other serious crimes. Whether you are charged with a state level or federal offense, we are ready to fight aggressively for your freedom and future. To schedule a consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer today, call (307) 672-7491 or contact us online.