Federal Drug Crimes

When you are faced with jail or prison time as a result of drug charges, an attorney who has regularly advised and represented clients in criminal drug law matters can help you to achieve a cost-effective and timely resolution. To learn more, contact our firm to schedule a consultation and case evaluation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

What You Need to Know When Charged with a Drug Crime

Essential Information from the Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron

If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a drug crime, you may be uncertain as to what your rights are and what the potential consequences may be. When do you have to consent to a search of your property? Will you face jail or prison time? Can your property be taken under forfeiture laws?

At the Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron, in Sayville, New York, we represent individuals throughout Long Island in both Nassau County and Suffolk County who face drug charges. We offer extensive, hands-on experience in criminal matters. Attorney Cameron served as a prosecutor for four years before opening his practice and was an assistant in the Narcotic Trial Bureau. We have handled the defense of thousands of criminal cases.

To learn more about our drug crimes defense, see our page on drug sales and possession charges. For a free initial consultation, contact our office or call us at 631-319-3487 (toll-free at 888-816-9087). We accept Visa and MasterCard.

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At the Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron, we defend people throughout Suffolk County and Long Island who have been charged with drug crimes, including sales and possession. With experience in the prosecutors' office, we understand how the state investigates and prepares drug cases and will make certain your rights are protected. Contact our office to set up a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

Have you been charged with possession of a controlled substance? Are you under investigation for drug trafficking, cultivation or manufacturing? Contact the Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron, in Sayville, New York, to set up a free initial consultation. We have handled criminal matters for over 15 years, serving four years in the prosecutors office before opening our own practice dedicated to protecting the rights of criminal defendants.

The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, also known as the Controlled Substances Act, classifies narcotics, marijuana and other drugs into five categories, or Schedules. Besides establishing requirements relating to manufacture and distribution of drugs, the law also defines penalties for violations of the Act. Depending on the nature and quantity of the substance involved, as well as the presence of sentence-enhancing factors, the criminal penalties can be severe. If you are facing federal drug charges, consult with an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney from Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron in Sayville, New York for advice on the law, your rights and how to proceed.

Offenses at the Federal Level

Federal drug offenses differ from those at the state level, even though the conduct in question might be the same. In defining crimes, Congress' authority comes from its Constitutionally-granted powers over the areas of commerce, taxation and the postal service.

Some of the drug crimes under the Controlled Substances Act include:

Drug trafficking: manufacturing, distributing or possessing with the intent to distribute illicit drugs
Manufacturing: operating places for the purposes of manufacturing, distributing, or using illicit drugs, or endangering human life while so doing
Continuing criminal enterprise crimes: trafficking in illicit drugs by a person in concert with 5 or more other persons
Conspiracy: involves attempts and the promoting and facilitating of manufacture, distribution, or importation of illicit drugs
Protected location offenses: distributing illicit drugs to persons under age 21, within a school or playground zone, and employing persons under age 18 in drug operations
Simple possession: possessing controlled substances without a valid prescription from a licensed medical practitioner. Unlike trafficking, simple possession does not involve intent to distribute the drugs.

Other drug offenses under the Act include investing illicit drug profits in businesses affecting interstate commerce and unauthorized importation of controlled substances. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) enforces the federal controlled substances laws and regulations.

In addition, drug crimes at the federal level may include violations of tax law, such as tax evasion and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).

Sentencing under Federal Law

Federal drug laws specify minimum and maximum terms of imprisonment, based on the type and quantity of drug involved. Likewise, under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, these factors are taken into account, along with:

Whether the offense involved injury to another person
Whether a weapon was possessed or used
The defendant's criminal history

While judges have discretion to depart from guidelines, they must still stay within the mandatory minimum and maximum terms specified by statute. Where the offense occurs in a school or other protected zone, penalties may be enhanced.

Contact an Experienced Attorney

Drug crimes can be charged and prosecuted under federal law, state law or both. Because federal drug crimes can carry significantly harsher penalties, it is important to contact an attorney experienced with both federal and state criminal drug law. If you are facing either federal or state drug charges, a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney, like those at Law Office of Bryan E. Cameron in Sayville, New York can explain the intricacies of both systems and vigorously represent your interests.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

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