San Antonio Federal Drug Crimes Defense Attorney
The Major Law Firm handles cases involving all types of drugs, including cocaine/crack, heroin, federal level marijuana, ecstasy (MDMA), methamphetamines, and prescription drugs. Federal drug charges usually involve large quantities of drugs, conspiracies involving several people, large amount of cash and weapons. If you have been arrested for a federal drug crime, it is critical that you protect your rights by retaining an experienced federal drug crimes attorney. For a vigorous defense call The Major Law Firm. Drug offenses we can successfully defend:
• Drug trafficking
• Importation and transportation of drugs
• Money laundering
• Conspiracy to possess drugs
• Manufacturing or cultivating drugs
• Asset forfeiture
The first step after you are arrested is the detention hearing. Most federal drug offenses carry a presumption that you are a danger to the community. Because of this legal presumption, the United States Attorney will most likely seek to detain you pending trial. This means that you will have to stay in jail pending your case. At The Major Law Firm, we fight aggressively to get you out of jail pending trial. The government knows that if you remain in jail it is more likely that you will take a plea. It is critical to obtain your freedom pending trial and The Major Law Firm has an impeccable track record obtaining release for clients pending trial. It is important to have an experienced attorney that can put together the best bail package to convince the judge to release you pending trial.
There are a number of defenses and strategies that The Major Law Firm will employ on your behalf in a federal drug case, including:
• Using pretrial motions to seek the suppression of evidence obtained as a result of an illegal search and seizure
• Using pretrial motions to exclude hearsay statements
• Using pretrial motions to seek the suppression of evidence obtained as a result of a search performed pursuant to a search warrant that was not supported by probable cause
• Trying your case to jury, if the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to prove their case
• Negotiating a favorable plea agreement to minimize your exposure to harsh penalties
• Using pretrial motions to suppress illegal wiretaps
The federal drug statute contains mandatory minimum sentences which are the minimum amount of time defendant will have to serve if they are convicted. However, Safety Valve is an exception where certain defendants can avoid the mandatory minimum sentences that would apply. The Safety Valve instructs the United States District Judge to impose a sentence without regard to the mandatory minimum sentence. Under current federal law, there is only one Safety Valve, and it applies only to first-time, non-violent drug offenders whose cases did not involve guns.
Federal sentencing is different than state sentencing. The United States District Judge will apply the United States Sentencing Guidelines. The Sentencing Guidelines are a complex maze of regulations that determine a potential sentence. The Major Law Firm has the experience to exploit any opportunities for a downward departure or variance, which would result in a lower sentence than what the guidelines or prosecutor recommends. The Sentencing Guidelines are advisory, thus the federal drug crimes lawyer at The Major Law Firm can advocate for the lowest possible sentences. The Major Law Firm has had success making motions for downward departures and variances. At sentencing the United States District Judge will consider the factors contained in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a).
The Federal government aggressively prosecutes conspiracy cases. If you are under investigation or have been charged with any drug or conspiracy crime, it is in your best interest to retain an attorney who is willing to aggressively defend your rights and your freedom. The Major Law Firm has a positive track record for achieving positive results for his clients. Call us today for your free, confidential consultation.
