Southaven Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Federal criminal cases for North Mississippi are heard in Oxford at the United States District Court. This federal court is not simply a bigger, more formal version of state court. Drug possession and distribution charges in federal court impose longer sentences, are more involved, and require more preparation. Many Mississippi federal drug charges are the product of lengthy, undercover investigations by the government. If you are facing a federal drug charge, consult a Southaven federal drug crimes lawyer for advice on the law and how to proceed.
Types of Drugs in Federal Cases
Federal drug crimes are classified in the Controlled Substances Act. The substances that are regulated include narcotics such as cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine, as well as prescription-based drugs such as Oxycodone and Vicadin. Crimes prohibited by the Controlled Substances Act include:
•Possession
•Distribution
•Sale
•Trafficking
•Cultivation
•Manufacturing
Sentencing and Penalties
Penalties for federal drug crimes are severe. Under federal guidelines, minimum and maximum terms of imprisonment are mandated based on the type and quantity of the drug involved. The judge may enhance a sentence based on factors such as whether a weapon was used, whether the offense took place on school property, and the prior record of the accused.
Challenging Your Drug Case
Sometimes, the evidence or arrest from a drug charge is the result of an illegal search or seizure. If the evidence was obtained in a way that violated the constitution, it cannot be used. To determine whether grounds exist to have the evidence thrown out, a Mississippi federal criminal lawyer must look closely at many factors of the case. These can include whether the police had probable cause to conduct a search, whether there was a valid warrant, or whether consent to search property was freely given.
Contact a Mississippi Federal Drug Crimes Attorney
Drug cases can be prosecuted in federal or state court, or both. Because of the interstates that run through North Mississippi, including their proximity to Memphis, we see a large number of highway stops and searches that lead to drug arrests. Many of these cases go to federal court. For an attorney who will zealously defend you and who knows the federal criminal justice system, contact Patrick Stegall.
Click here to read Mississippi Criminal Law Articles on Federal Drug Charges
