Phoenix Federal Drug Crimes Attorney

Skilled Criminal Defense for Federal Charges

If you have been arrested for a drug crime that is charged as a federal offense, this likely means your crime includes a more serious form of drug charge, such as trafficking, importation or distribution. Federal penalties are severe for these types of cases and require an experienced and knowledgeable Phoenix drug crimes attorney to represent you. 

Beginning your defense immediately is vital to the outcome of your case. Federal charges are usually investigated by the FBI or the DEA, both formidable prosecuting agencies that have vast resources behind them. Penalties for a federal drug charge conviction can include imprisonment in a federal penitentiary, steep fines, mandatory drug rehab, restitution and property forfeiture.

Federal Drug Schedules

Federal drug charges differ from state drug charges in a variety of ways. First, the penalties for drug crimes are dependent upon federal drug schedules that classify all controlled substances into five different categories. Schedule V drugs are the least dangerous and the least addictive. The group generally includes lightly-monitored prescription drugs. Drugs in Schedule IV are slightly more dangerous and are thus penalized slightly more severely. Examples of Schedule IV drugs include Valium, Xanax, Provigil and Ambien. Substances such as anabolic steroids and ephedrine comprise Schedule III. Schedules II and I contain the most serious drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, PCP, crack and methamphetamines. They are determined to have a high incidence of abuse and addiction and a low potential for medical use. The federal government takes drug crimes involving Schedule I or II drugs very seriously, and even possession of a small quantity could land you in prison. 

Marijuana is illegal under federal law, despite the fact that Arizona has recently voted to legalize medical marijuana. Although President Obama has vowed to end the raids on medical marijuana dispensaries, you should be aware that its status under state law in no way affects your rights if you are charged with a federal offense. Marijuana is considered a Schedule I drug.  

Property Forfeiture

One of the pitfalls in federal drug charges is the possible seizure of your property by law enforcement during the investigation of your case. As the laws allow them to seize property that may have been obtained through money from the illegal sale, distribution or trafficking in drugs, you may lose your assets unless a strong defense is brought to bear. In order to safeguard your rights, consulting with the Dwane Cates Law Group, PLLC is crucial for your future and your freedom. Our firm has over 80 years of combined experience and has worked in both state and federal courts throughout Arizona. A strong and capable legal professional is critical in any such case.

Our firm will fight for your rights by investigating all of the evidence presented against you and challenge any instance of illegal search and seizure or any other aspect of your case that violated your rights. Our legal team has a successful track record in helping our clients with drug charges and will be dedicated to minimizing the charges against you.

Contact a Phoenix Federal Drug Offense Lawyer if you have been charged with a federal offense for a drug crime.