Federal drug cases Of those, 18,939 cases involved drug trafficking. Drug Trafficking Federal Cases OVERVIEW OF DRUG TRAFFICKING PROSECUTIONS IN FEDERAL COURT By John Teakell, Attorney-at-Law Dallas, TX I. State drug laws have a tendency to be relatively lenient compared to federal laws depending upon the specific activity that the alleged possessor of drugs Oct 11, 2022 · COLUMBUS, Ohio – The government added 12 defendants and 28 new charges to a federal narcotics conspiracy case that now charges 23 total individuals. Although defendants' pleas did not specify that the methamphetamine was of Ice-level purity, the district court at sentencing found that the conspiracy involved Ice and that each was responsible for its distribution. This primer provides an overview of the statutes, sentencing guidelines, and case law applicable to federal drug offenses. 1 . You may have options other than prison. Two-level reduction in offense conduct under U. 1, note C (ice). Example: From Step 5, we know the defendant’s total offense level is 23. However, you may be eligible for the safety valve provision which can significantly reduce your sentence. I know how the prosecutors look at these cases. § 846, punishes an individual who merely agrees to commit a drug crime as if she committed the underlying crime. What a mandatory sentence means is that a judge must sentence an offender to at least the minimum sentence. 6 days ago · Seven Sentenced for Fentanyl Drug Trafficking Operation. 1 percent of all reported cases, an increase from the 38. Paper Case Files. April 1, 2025 May 20, 2021 · LOS ANGELES – Federal authorities today announced 11 criminal cases against alleged drug dealers who sold or provided narcotics to users who suffered fatal overdoses from opioids such as fentanyl or fentanyl analogues. 7 percent of all drug cases. Each of these offenses carries its own set of penalties, which can be compounded if the case involves elements like the use of weapons or previous criminal history. Finally, the penalties for Federal drug crimes are enormous. Contacting the Federal Several high-profile cases in recent years have highlighted the complexities and rigorous enforcement of federal drug distribution laws. Case files may also be accessed from the public access terminals in the clerk’s office of the court where the case was filed. Current and Recent Cases; Current and Recent Cases. In federal drug cases, suppression of evidence can severely weaken the prosecution’s case. Each year, the Commission reviews and refines these policies in light of congressional action, decisions from courts of appeals, sentencing-related research, and input from the criminal justice community. II. Federal drug crime charges for simple possession can result in up to a year of imprisonment, with fines of $1,000 or more. Although the primer identifies some of the key cases and concepts, it is not a comprehensive compilation of authority nor intended to be a substitute for independent research and analysis of primary sources. Federal drug cases need the help of an experienced attorney. The Sentencing Guidelines distinguish between mixtures involving run-of-the-mill methamphetamine and methamphetamine that is at least 80% pure. Benefits of Safety Valve Explained. Note: PACER charges $0. Charges can vary from possessing drugs to trafficking or making them. Mar 16, 2021 · Federal Drug Cases, 2020 "Immigration cases accounted for the largest single group of offenses in fiscal year 2020, comprising 41. To learn more about how our office can help your Federal drug case Federal lawsuits allege pharmacies, diet clinics copied weight-loss wonder drug: Novo Nordisk files suits to protect patent on key Ozempic ingredient Tue 8/15/2023 -- by Juliette Fairley Aug 23, 2023 · Kevin Ware is also charged in a second federal drug case, along with MICHAEL PEARSON, 49, and JAMIE PEARSON, 46, both of Chicago. • In cases where an overdose victim Understanding a Basic Federal Drug Case Sentencing STEP 7: Using the Sentencing Table at the back of the guidelines manual, determine the defendant’s guideline sentence based on his criminal history category and his total offense level. So to speak, federal drug cases are handled by federal prosecutors in federal courts. The way you defend a drug case is to hire an attorney who has handled many federal drugs cases throughout their career. Quick Facts provide an overview of these offenses, though this information may vary depending on the type of drug involved in the offense. Go to . Michael Pearson allegedly conducted several drug deals in Chicago’s Pullman and West Roseland neighborhoods. In this new memorandum, federal prosecutors have been instructed on modifications to the policies of the Department of Justice regarding federal drug cases that include (1) charging an offense; (2) plea negotiations and entering into a plea agreement with the defense; and (3) making Feb 9, 2025 · In federal drug cases, mandatory minimum sentences are typically based on the type and quantity of drugs involved. Mar 26, 2025 · According to court records, as part of that investigation, federal law enforcement agents identified numerous U. Man Sentenced to 40 Months for Participating in International Money Laundering Scheme Involving More Than $3 Million in Fraud Proceeds Monday, September 9, 2024 - Southern District of California Mar 10, 2023 · The federal drug-conspiracy statute, 21 U. Feb 13, 2023 · The AG Memo: Big Changes to Felony Federal Drug Cases. Together these four types of offenses accounted for 86. 2. 2 To shield people who use drugs from § 846 Nov 23, 2021 · Defendants Williams, Bennett, Johnson, and Farris pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. 994 does not recommend a term of imprisonment, be detained, unless the judicial officer finds by clear and convincing evidence The judicial officer shall order the pretrial release of the person on personal recognizance, or upon execution of an unsecured appearance bond in an amount specified by the court, subject to the condition that the person not commit a Federal, State, or local crime during the period of release and subject to the condition that the person cooperate in the collection of a DNA sample from the If you are charged with a crime by the United States Department of Justice, you may be facing a mandatory minimum sentence, especially if you were arrested on federal drug charges or federal gun charges. The variance was sufficient that a new trial should have been granted to the defendant. Difference Between State & Federal Drug Cases. Brown, along with Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Assistant Special Agent in Charge Percy Giles, III, and Concordia Parish Sheriff David Hedrick, held a press conference today to announce that 13 individuals have been arrested on federal charges following an investigation into drug trafficking activities in the Concordia and Aug 21, 2023 · Together, we are resolute in our mission to secure our communities and eradicate drug and firearm-related criminal pursuits. . 10 per page for document searches, but costs are waived if your total is less than $30 in a quarter. You need to work with an attorney who can skillfully navigate the system and help you get through it. Facebook; X; LinkedIn; Email; U. ” The DEA responded that The federal government often charges drug cases as conspiracies, meaning that there was allegedly an agreement between two or more people to violate a federal drug law. Usually, these cases are more serious than state cases, with stricter punishments like long prison terms and heavy fines. The most common minimum sentence is ten-years imprisonment and it is prescribed for many federal drug smuggling offenses. I know how they litigate them. For example, trafficking or distributing large amounts of controlled substances can result in severe penalties, including long prison sentences. Carnell Non-Overdose Cases Average Sentence Imposed Sentences imposed in cases with an overdose varied by offense conduct: • The average sentence in cases with a single, non-fatal overdose was 125 months. Dec 14, 2022 · Federal drug cases carry severe mandatory minimum penalties. • The average sentence in cases with multiple overdoses, of which at least one was fatal, was 177 months. Nov 5, 2019 · Many drug-related offenses at the federal level have mandatory minimum sentences. A person convicted of a drug charge in Federal court will typically serve many more years than a person convicted of a similar charge in State court. Engaging an experienced federal defense attorney early ensures that critical deadlines, like responding to charges or filing motions, are met. Dec 5, 2013 · The pressure they could bring to bear on defendants led to soaring numbers of guilty pleas in drug cases: from 1980 to 2010, the percentage of federal drug cases resolved by a plea increased from Primer on the Drug Guidelines . The report describes case processing in the federal criminal justice system, including investigations by U. Martinez Common Drug Offenses in Federal Court. The New Mexico state court system can be harsh on people accused of drug crimes. Big news from the federal court! A client approached the Griffin Law Office, APC because his prior attorney was encouraging him to accept a 37-month prison offer on a drug conspiracy case. David Benowitz on Federal Drug Cases . Although the primer identifies some of the issues and cases related to the sentencing of drug Jan 26, 2024 · On Jan. Those convicted of drug crimes in federal drug crime cases could face severe penalties and fines. The Penalties for Federal Drug Crimes. Jan 28, 2025 · Our experienced drug crime attorneys understand the complexities of federal cases. Having handled numerous appeals claims each year, the Law Offices of Seth Kretzer fully understand how the process works, how to collect vital legal research, and what is needed to present a Jan 18, 2024 · This report provides national statistics on the federal response to crime for fiscal year 2022 and some statistics on changes over time. 3d 750, 754 (8th Cir. Aug 27, 2023 · Federal authorities typically enter drug cases when the offenses extend beyond state lines or involve significant interstate drug trafficking operations. In federal drug distribution cases, once law enforcement feel they have enough evidence federal prosecutors proceed to an indictment. There were 7,539 firearms cases reported to the Commission, accounting for 11. According to the charges, the defendants distributed fentanyl and fentanyl-laced heroin. Federal Cases, Dockets, and Filings From U. Federal Drug Charges Laws Federal and state drug laws differ markedly. If a case is pending against you or another individual, details such as charges, court dates, and filings will be listed. e. Federal drug cases can be complex, and they are best handled by a criminal defense attorney with a proven record of success representing clients in federal court. INTRODUCTION . Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Aug 23, 2019 · Federal Drug Conspirators Sentenced Monday, September 9, 2024 - Southern District of Alabama. 1. 23, the Southern District of Mississippi arrested 40 individuals stemming from a four-year federal investigation of multiple drug-trafficking organizations distributing meth, cocaine, and other illegal narcotics. A multi-agency law enforcement task force initially announced the case in July after a federal grand jury indicted 11 defendants for distributing bulk amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack Figure A - Federal Offenders by Type of Crime; Figure B - Distribution of Primary Drug Type in Federal Drug Cases; Table 1 - Distribution of Federal Offenders by Type of Crime; Table 2 - Guilty Pleas and Trials in Each Circuit and District; Table 3 - Guilty Pleas and Trials by Type of Crime; Table 4 - Sentence Type by Type of Crime (National) As the FBI and other federal agencies increase their prosecutions of drug cases, it becomes more common for federal officers to set up sting operations. The case included defendants throughout Mississippi with connections to Mexico, California, Texas, Alabama, and elsewhere. 1 been applicable. – United States Attorney Brandon B. This is still true today, although there are a variety of federal offenses prosecuted by the U. minimum of 60 months. Unlike state-level offenses, federal cases are governed by strict sentencing guidelines that often lead to severe penalties, including lengthy prison terms and substantial fines. Feb 29, 2024 · From fiscal year (FY) 2020 to FY 2021, the number of drug arrests the DEA made for fentanyl increased by 36% from 2,305 to 3,138. 4 “In a drug conspiracy case, . Some drug charges have a mandatory minimum i. The federal government aggressively prosecutes serious narcotics crimes. guidelines, and relevant case law relating to drug trafficking. Whether a drug case is prosecuted by the federal government depends on: 6 days ago · Seven Sentenced for Fentanyl Drug Trafficking Operation. 4 percent of the cases reported in the prior year. I. Under drug offense guidelines, typical charges include: Possession with Intent to Distribute Large-scale distribution or manufacturing often triggers mandatory minimum sentences if certain drug weight thresholds are met. Michigan Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crimes in West Virginia and Montana. Press Release. The purpose of this primer is to provide a general overview of the sentencing guidelines, pertinent statutes, and issues related to the sentencing of drug offenses under the guidelines. Aug 30, 2021 · Zyszkiewicz, a prisoner and a medical cannabis patient, wrote a one-page letter to the DEA, seeking the rescheduling of marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), 21 U. Mail parcels containing substantial quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, as well as marijuana, which were related to a largescale drug trafficking conspiracy being operated from within the Tennessee state prison A federal jury convicted a Kentucky doctor, a Texas businessman, and a Kentucky woman for their roles operating a scheme out of a series of addiction treatment facilities in Kentucky that fraudulently billed Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid for over $8 million. If the defense can prove that the search was conducted without proper legal authorization, the court may exclude any drugs or other incriminating evidence found during the search. The evidence only connected the defendant to the conspiracy involving Pakistan hashish. G. Share. Once the Griffin Law Office assumed the case, attorneys noticed that the evidence didn’t add up. Read More. the government is not required to present direct evidence of an explicit agreement; juries may rely upon 4 Smith was charged with, and convicted of, conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. An indictment is a formal charging document issued by a grand jury, which is a group of individuals brought together by the court to review evidence and determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a Federal drug charges result from violations of the federal laws pertaining to possession, manufacture, and sale of controlled substances. District Courts and U. Department of Justice Civil Division 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Jan 15, 2025 · Being charged with a federal drug crime is an overwhelming and life-altering experience. The penalties for a federal drug conspiracy conviction can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case, such as the type and amount of drugs involved, the defendant's criminal history, and any aggravating or mitigating factors. Attorney’s Aug 28, 2020 · Carnell pled guilty to a conspiracy to distribute a mixture containing methamphetamine, 21 U. In order to get a conviction in a federal drug case, the federal government must be able to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. C. DRUG Dec 12, 2024 · ALEXANDRIA, La. Seven drug types account for 98. April 1, 2025. attorneys, prosecutions and declinations, convictions and acquittals, sentencing, probation and supervised release, and imprisonment. Except as provided in paragraph (2), the judicial officer shall order that a person who has been found guilty of an offense and who is awaiting imposition or execution of sentence, other than a person for whom the applicable guideline promulgated pursuant to 28 U. Totals may not sum to Federal drug cases are often built over months or even years, involving extensive evidence such as wiretaps, surveillance, and informants. Introduction Traditionally, cases prosecuted in federal court were either larger, complex drug trafficking cases, or white-collar crime offenses. 801, which places federally-regulated substances into one of five schedules depending on “potential for abuse,” “medical use,” “safety,” and the likelihood of “dependence. Our federal crimes attorney fight to protect your rights and work toward the best outcome possible. DC federal drug lawyer David Benowitz answers questions about federal drug laws, offenses, penalties, and federal court in general. If a person is arrested for drug trafficking, however, it is more likely for that type of case to end up in federal court. 5%) from the year before. Whether you’re dealing with charges for illegal drugs, drug possession, or trafficking, we’re here to help. Sep 1, 2015 · The indictment in this drug conspiracy case charged the defendant with being a member of a conspiracy to import and possess marijuana from Thailand and hashish from Pakistan. Firearms cases represented the third most common federal offense in fiscal year 2020. Dec 30, 2021 · The National Criminal Justice Reference Service cites drug-related crimes and economic offenses such as white collar crimes as among the more frequent federal offenses, as does the U. What makes a case a federal drug case as opposed to a state court drug case? Answer: Typically, federal drug cases deal with greater quantities of controlled substances and Apr 26, 2018 · Drug possession vs. 4 percent of all cases reported to the Commission in fiscal year 2020. U. 6 days ago · Seven Sentenced for Fentanyl Drug Trafficking Operation. Courts of Appeal The 16,829 total drug cases reported to the Commission accounted for 26. Most cases created before 1999 are maintained in paper format only. Of the 64,124 cases reported to the Commission in fiscal year 2023, 19,066 involved drugs. This means you could be looking at ten to fifteen years in federal prison at minimum . By knowingly and willingly entering into an agreement — joining a conspiracy — someone can be held just as responsible as if the person carried out the entire crime alone. Jul 12, 2020 · Federal Drug Conspiracy Cases What tends to happen, and I've been doing this a long time in those circumstances, is that the government will try to sneak questions in in order to catch the person and make them give information on other people. . 1 percent of all cases, a decrease of 3,564 cases (17. Federal drug charges are typically reserved for more serious drug cases, such as those involving trafficking across state lines, cultivation and manufacture, and criminal enterprises trafficking drugs. In addition to the federal drug cases we handle, we will also take on state level drug cases that are particularly complex. Ice sentences are substantially higher than those for non-ice methamphetamine. These cases not only illustrate the severity of the penalties involved but also underscore the federal government’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and related conspiracies. 2D1. "Among drug cases, offenses involving methamphetamine were most common, accounting for 45. Primary drug type was missing because: 1) the type of drug involved in the offense was not documented, or 2) the offense involved multiple drug types and insufficient information was available to establish which drug would have the highest drug equivalency had the Drug Quantity Table at USSG §2D1. Apr 22, 2022 · SANTA ANA, California – Federal authorities today announced seven criminal cases against drug dealers who sold fentanyl-laced narcotics that caused fatal overdoses in Orange County, including one case in which three people died in Newport Beach. In FY 2021, for the first time, the number of drug arrests the DEA made for fentanyl (3,138) surpassed the number of arrests for heroin (2,591). United States v. It is not a comprehensive compilation of all issues or case law involving drug sentencing. 5 years, 10 years. Cases involving drugs, firearms, and fraud were the next most common types of offenses after immigration cases. drug trafficking – While it’s not impossible for a drug possession case to go to federal court, it is more usual to see a drug possession charge prosecuted in the state system. Asset forfeiture is designed to deprive criminals of the proceeds of their crimes, to break the financial backbone of organized criminal syndicates and drug cartels, and to recover property that may be used to compensate victims and deter crime. The first benefit of Safety Valve is the ability to receive a sentence below a mandatory minimum on certain types of drug cases. ” “These cases are another great example of local law enforcement working with our federal partners on a common goal,” said Nampa Police Department Interim Chief Curt Shankel. 2007) (citation omitted). Aug 26, 2024 · Other federal drug offenses include drug conspiracy, manufacturing, and importing or exporting controlled substances. 1 In the case of a drug transaction, a strictly textual reading of § 846 could punish a buyer as if she were a seller, since she agreed to distribute the seller’s drugs — to herself. 7 percent Jul 20, 2021 · Rolon–Ramos, 502 F. Access federal case documents in real-time if you know the specific court the case was filed in by logging into PACER. 1% of drug trafficking offenses. I've been handling drug cases for 26 years now, across the country, but mainly in the central district of Los Angeles. The Commission establishes sentencing policies and practices for the federal courts. 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B) and 846. S. In these sing operations, an undercover officer or an informant working for federal authorities may try to entice the defendant to commit a drug-related crime they would not typically commit. At the Law Offices of Seth Kretzer, our talented federal civil lawyers will devote themselves to your case for the most successful outcome possible. Factors That Influence Sentencing in Federal Drug Cases Use the search function to look for cases in federal district courts. May 9, 2023 · LOS ANGELES – Law enforcement officials today announced a dozen new federal cases targeting fentanyl dealers who, in all but one case, allegedly sold fentanyl and fake pills containing fentanyl that directly resulted in the death of at least one victim. Jorge Viera-Chirinos, 35, was sentenced to 40 months in prison on March 5, 2025. The federal government’s jurisdiction comes into play when tackling cases that substantially impact national drug control efforts. This primer focuses primarily on application of the drug trafficking guidelines and related sentencing issues. Possibly more if there are aggravating circumstances in your case, or if you have prior convictions for drug-related crimes. Oct 11, 2023 · Asset forfeiture is a critical legal tool that serves a number of compelling law enforcement purposes. The verdict was handed down on Thursday, March 20 SAN FRANCISCO – Two drug dealers extradited from Honduras to San Francisco were sentenced to multiple years in federal prison for drug trafficking offenses in the Bay Area. Sentencing Commission. ssgbjo kjbc nffvcl uxzr vfpcxfz vckccqi nxedwbzo bqdo trvkw fvuc bqckbb yxrfk dvwbas obpcnik viggb