If you or a loved one has been charged with or is being investigated for a federal drug charge, a St. Louis federal drug lawyer with JCS Law can help. Experienced criminal defense attorney John Schleiffarth and his team provide a bold and aggressive defense for those facing a federal criminal charge in Missouri.
Suppose your home was raided, you were arrested during a traffic stop, or you were set up by a confidential informant or undercover cop. In any of these situations, we can guide you through the case and ensure none of your rights have been violated. The federal court system is very different from state or local systems, and it is crucial to have a knowledgeable St. Louis federal drug lawyer in your corner. Call us today for a free consultation at (314) 561-9690.
Much is at stake when you’re charged with a federal drug crime
The DEA, federal law enforcement, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Sheriff’s Departments are becoming increasingly aggressive in investigating federal cases. They have more manpower and bigger budgets, using more sophisticated tactics every day.
Methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and even synthetic drugs are a big focus of task forces all over Missouri. We know and understand the tactics prosecutors employ and can help find holes in their case against you.
Federal drug charges we fight every day
Our team is committed to serving the needs of those in our communities who are charged with crimes they may not have committed. At JCS Law, you can rely on the skills of a St. Louis federal criminal defense lawyer to assess your situation and determine the best defense strategy for your needs.
Our team has experience and success with clients facing drug charges such as:
- Federal marijuana charges
- Federal cocaine charges
- Federal methamphetamine charges
- Federal distribution charges
- Federal manufacturing charges
- Federal drug conspiracy charges
- Federal ecstasy or MDMA charges
- Federal synthetic drug charges
- Federal trafficking charges
- Marijuana grow operation charges
- Federal gun charges
Cultivation
Cultivation is typically charged when the suspect possesses materials for growing a banned substance, such as marijuana, cocaine, or heroin. Elements of this offense include having chemicals or equipment associated with cultivation or proof that the suspect has harvested and processed the substance.
Importation
Importation involves illegally bringing drugs across U.S. borders. Penalties depend on the type of drug and quantity but are usually severe. Importation is often just one of many charges filed against a person.
Manufacturing
Federal law prohibits intentional manufacturing, distributing, and importing controlled substances. Although this can also be a state charge, the penalties at the federal level are much harsher.
Possession
Local and state authorities most often make possession arrests, sometimes in conjunction with other offenses. In some cases, federal agencies may become involved. This leads to substantially higher penalties, even for small amounts.
Smuggling
Smuggling is the crime of moving drugs between states within the U.S., but it can also involve importing these substances from another country. Smuggling is usually charged when someone transports drugs but may not have the intent to sell or distribute them.
Trafficking
When drugs are brought into the country or moved between states with the intent to transport, manufacture, distribute, or sell them, it falls under the offense of trafficking. Factors influencing penalties include the type of drug, the amount, prior drug convictions, location, and criminal history.
What to do if you’ve been charged with a federal drug crime in St. Louis
Federal charges are incredibly serious and must be met with every defense you can muster. A skilled St. Louis federal drug lawyer can examine your case and tailor a strategy to minimize your punishment as much as possible. As soon as you are arrested, contact JCS Law.
We will provide legal counsel as you endure police interviews and throughout your trial. You can remain silent and let us negotiate with prosecutors. When we know the details of your case, we can apply our experience and knowledge to adopt every defense technique available.
Defending a federal drug charge
Our St. Louis federal drug lawyer will examine every aspect of your arrest and processing, along with the evidence against you. We work to have charges reduced and evidence thrown out to give you the best chance of success in court.
Other defense options include:
- Providing an alibi
- Arguing a violation of your right to a speedy trial
- Identifying errors in legal proceedings
- Demonstrating you were unaware the drugs were illegal
- Finding misconduct by officers
- Showing inconsistencies in witness testimony
In cases where the evidence against you is convincing, we will negotiate with the prosecuting attorney to reach a compromise. In a plea deal, you will plead guilty to lesser charges to face less time in prison and pay fewer fines.
When a charge can be reduced to a misdemeanor instead of a felony, you also retain the ability to vote and other important rights as a citizen.
What are the penalties and consequences for a federal drug charge in St. Louis?
Like elsewhere in the country, those convicted of federal drug charges in St. Louis, MO, face a wide range of penalties, depending on the substance and the activity. Larger amounts of any substance equal a larger sentence, up to life imprisonment if death or serious injury occurs as part of the charge.
As an example, the cultivation of 100 plants of marijuana can result in a federal sentence of at least five years and exorbitant fines for a first offense. In Missouri, only marijuana possession is a misdemeanor. For any other controlled substance, all drug charges are felonies with sentences between three years and life.
How long will my case take?
Depending on the jurisdiction, complexity of the case, and any extenuating circumstances, most federal drug cases are completed in about one year. In state courts, trials can last longer. If you are facing both state and federal charges, then you must go through two separate trials in two locations.
The more charges you face, the more time the preparation for your trial will take. Your attorney must assess the evidence against you and file many motions to control what makes it to court. They will also collect materials that support your claim of innocence or reduce your charges.
Doctors facing federal drug charges
Recently, many doctors have unlawfully prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines to patients. When a physician engages in this action, they may face federal drug charges. A conviction will likely end their medical careers.
If you are a physician in Missouri who has been arrested for any federal drug charge, do not try to explain the situation to law enforcement authorities. Remain silent and call JCS Law to speak with a St. Louis federal drug lawyer.
What is the cost of hiring a St. Louis federal drug lawyer?
Criminal defense trials can be time-consuming since your St. Louis federal drug lawyer will exhaust every option possible to present the best defense possible in your situation. Federal drug cases are very complex and require thousands of hours of work. Attorneys and their support teams must research, investigate, analyze, negotiate, and prepare a compelling narrative to persuade the jury of your innocence.
Fees can easily climb into the thousands, but compared to losing your freedom and many essential rights, the trade-off is an investment in your future.
It costs you nothing to speak with us for an initial consultation. We provide a full recommendation of how to proceed and allow you to make an informed decision on whether to hire us.
No time to waste – Call a St. Louis federal drug lawyer today
A conviction on federal drug charges can put you behind bars for the rest of your life. If you have been arrested, you should never try to handle your case alone. Meet with a top-notch St. Louis federal drug lawyer to secure the best possible outcome in your trial.
Use our online form or call (314) 561-9690 to schedule your free case evaluation today.
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120 S Central Ave #1550
St. Louis MO 63105