Federal Drug Trafficking Lawyer in West Palm Beach
Being charged with a federal crime is always terrifying, especially when it is drug trafficking. The federal government is cracking down on drug cases and uses ample resources to secure convictions. Unfortunately, the penalties are severe and include prison time and substantial fines. Additionally, you will have a federal felony on your record if convicted, making it hard to get a job, find housing, and obtain a professional license.
You might think that you do not have the power to stand up to the federal government. However, you have the right to mount a defense against such charges. If you fail to exercise that right, the penalties could be severe.
Our West Palm Beach drug trafficking lawyer has defended clients facing state and federal charges for over 34 years. Contact the firm today to speak to Ronald Chapman about your case.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines
If you get a conviction for federal drug trafficking, the judge will base your sentence on numerous factors, such as:
- Quantity of drug
- Type of drug
- Previous offenses
- Aggravating factors, such as injury or death
- Level of cooperation
Options After A Drug Trafficking Arrest
Many people are surprised by the number of options they have after their arrest on federal drug trafficking charges. First, your West Palm Beach federal drug trafficking attorney will investigate the case and review the evidence to see if the government can overcome the burden of proof. Additionally, your attorney will review the government’s actions during the case to ensure your rights were not violated. If the government engaged in misconduct or illegal activity during the process, your lawyer can file a motion to suppress the evidence that was seized.
Next, your lawyer will discuss your legal options with you. That might include fighting the case in court to prove your innocence or negotiating a plea bargain with the federal prosecutor for a lower sentence or reduced charges.
Call attorney Chapman today to discuss your case.
Steps to Take When Arrested for Drug Trafficking
If you believe the federal government is investigating you, you can contact an attorney to protect your rights during the process. However, you might not be aware of this until your arrest. If that happens, retain an attorney as soon as possible. In the meantime, do not give a statement or answer questions about the case to a federal agent. Government agents use various tactics to get people to implicate themselves, even if they are innocent. Don’t let that happen to you.
Finally, do not discuss your case with other inmates or over the phone. Your phone calls will be recorded, and your statements can be used against you in court.
Can You Get Out On Bail?
While you might be able to get out on bond while awaiting trial, it is a somewhat complicated process. You will attend a detention hearing, where the prosecution might argue that you are a danger to the community and should not be freed. If the judge does agree to bail, the federal government might require that you prove that you did not obtain the bail money through illegal activities. Having an experienced West Palm Beach drug trafficking defense lawyer by your side can be helpful in these matters. Ronald S. Chapman will diligently prepare for your detention hearing and present your case to the judge.
Conspiracy To Commit Drug Trafficking
If the federal government believes that you conspired with another person or people to traffic in drugs, it can charge you with conspiracy to commit drug trafficking. The government can add this charge to an existing drug trafficking charge, if applicable. However, you can face conspiracy charges even if you did not follow through with the plan. Unfortunately, the federal government sometimes uses this to get people to cooperate with federal investigations. You need to ensure your rights are protected, so reach out to a West Palm Beach federal drug trafficking defense attorney for legal counsel. You face the same penalties as you would for drug trafficking, so it is vital that you take this charge seriously.