Greenville Federal Drug Offenses Lawyer

Drug offenses fall into several categories. The penalty depends on the class of the drug and the type of crime committed. In most cases, crimes that involve a significant amount of drugs and a large number of people are federal offenses. Federal drug convictions lead to severe penalties. Many of them include decades in prison.

When facing drug charges, consider partnering with a seasoned federal criminal attorney. Contact our Greenville federal drug offenses lawyers today for help navigating your case and protecting your rights.

Federal Drug Offense vs State Drug Offense

A federal drug offense covers large-scale drug activities, such as trafficking or smuggling drugs across borders. These cases often arise out of investigations by federal agencies. Federal laws, primarily governed by the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), impose harsher penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences.

State drug offenses address smaller-scale crimes, such as possession, personal use, or minor sales. They are prosecuted under state laws, which carry lighter penalties. A Greenville federal drug offenses attorney can help you understand the multiple nuances of federal offenses and build a strong defense accordingly.

Common Defenses in Federal Drug Cases

The most common defenses that lead to favorable outcomes in a federal drug case include the following:

• Unlawful search and seizure challenges evidence obtained through illegal searches or seizures in violation of the Fourth Amendment
• Lack of knowledge argues that the accused was unaware of the presence of drugs
• Entrapment claims that law enforcement induced the defendant to commit a drug crime they otherwise would not have
• Chain of custody errors points out mistakes in handling evidence, which may lead to questions about its authenticity
• Duress or coercion claims the defendant was forced to commit the drug-related act under threat of harm
• Mistaken identity argues that the defendant was wrongly identified
• Violation of Miranda Rights challenges statements obtained without proper advisement of the right to remain silent and have an attorney
• Lack of intent asserts that the defendant did not have the intent to commit the crime

The choice of defense depends on the case’s circumstances and the lawyer’s experience. A Greenville federal drug offenses attorney can fight hard to prove your innocence or to reduce charges.

The Importance of Hiring a Lawyer

The federal court handles serious cases that result in harsh penalties. For example, cocaine trafficking carries a minimum sentence of ten years in prison. However, the penalty could be life in prison if the defendant has previous convictions.

Without an attorney, the accused can make mistakes that cause a maximum sentence. Meanwhile, a skilled federal drug offenses lawyer in Greenville can offer detailed guidance, conduct an independent investigation, find witnesses, and fight to reduce or drop the charges. Call our law office today to learn more and to schedule an initial consultation.

Consult a Greenville Federal Drug Offenses Attorney Today

When you are arrested on a federal drug charge, speak with a lawyer immediately. Besides severe penalties that will follow, a conviction can have a long-lasting effect on your quality of life.

At Ellis Hinton, LLC, our seasoned criminal defense attorneys understand the grave importance of defending the rights of people facing a federal drug conviction.

Our legal team has significant experience reducing and dropping drug charges. We are based in Greenville but work all over South Carolina and beyond. Call for a consultation with a Greenville federal drug offenses lawyer today.