Austin Drug Conspiracy Defense Attorneys
A Dedicated Legal Team Serving Clients in Austin & San Antonio, Texas
Controlled substances are regulated at both the state and federal levels. You can face federal drug conspiracy charges when you participate in an agreement to break a federal drug law with one or more co-conspirators. A conviction can result in many decades of incarceration.
Our Austin & San Antonio drug conspiracy defense lawyers have handled nearly 2,000 federal cases and can provide you with the experienced representation you need when facing these serious charges. At Peek Law Group, we think outside the box and implement creative legal strategies that work to obtain favorable outcomes for our clients. We know how to take on federal prosecutors and will diligently fight to protect your innocence and freedom.
Do not wait to seek qualified legal assistance if you are facing these types of charges. Request an initial consultation by calling (512)-474-4445 or contacting us online.
Understanding What Constitutes a Federal Drug Conspiracy
A drug conspiracy exists when two or more parties knowingly agree to commit a drug crime. Drug conspiracy charges can be pursued at the state or federal level depending on the laws the conspiracy seeks to violate. If a conspiracy involves a plan to break Texas drug laws, for example, conspirators might only be charged at the state level. Federal prosecutors tend to get involved when controlled substances cross borders or state lines.
Federal drug conspiracy charges are linked to several other types of drug crimes, including:
- Possessing a controlled substance with intent. If someone is caught with a large quantity of drugs in their possession, the government may allege that the drugs were not exclusively intended for recreational use and that the possessor intended to unlawfully distribute the controlled substances. This charge might be sought if distribution equipment, like scales, is also discovered in addition to the drugs.
- Manufacturing a controlled substance. Someone can face federal charges if they are believed to be assisting in any stage of the growing or production process of a controlled substance.
- Distributing a controlled substance. “Distribution” occurs when drugs change hands, even if no payment is exchanged.
- Importing a controlled substance. Someone is guilty of this charge if they circumvent border protections to get controlled substances into the United States.
Penalties for Drug Conspiracy Convictions
Potential punishments for a drug conspiracy conviction will depend on the type and quantity of the controlled substances involved. Mandatory minimum prison sentences are generally imposed when a certain quantity of a drug is involved in the case. Our Austin & San Antonio drug conspiracy defense attorneys will work tirelessly to help you avoid the worst consequences of these charges.
Federal drug conspiracies involving less than 100 kilograms of marijuana can result in up to 20 years of incarceration. If at least 100 kilograms of marijuana are involved, there is a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 40 years. When at least 1,000 kilograms of marijuana are involved, the mandatory minimum sentence is 10 years, and the maximum is life in prison.
Conspiracies involving less than 500 grams of cocaine (or less than 28 grams of crack cocaine) can result in up to 20 years of prison time. When there is at least 500 grams of cocaine or 28 grams of crack cocaine, the mandatory minimum sentence is 5 years, and the maximum sentence is 40 years. If there are at least 5 grams of cocaine or at least 280 grams of crack cocaine, the minimum sentence is 10 years, and the maximum sentence is life in prison.
For conspiracy cases involving less than 100 grams of heroin, a conviction can lead to up to 20 years of incarceration. If at least 100 grams of heroin are involved, the mandatory minimum sentence is 5 years, and the maximum sentence is 40 years. When a conspiracy involves at least 1 kilogram of heroin, there is a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Methamphetamine conspiracy cases can result in up to 20 years of incarceration if less than 5 grams are involved. If at least 5 grams are involved, the mandatory minimum sentence is 5 years and the maximum sentence is 40 years. When at least 50 grams of methamphetamine are involved, the mandatory minimum sentence becomes 10 years, and the maximum sentence becomes life in prison.
Get the Capable Defense You Need in Austin, Texas
Our Austin & San Antonio drug conspiracy defense lawyers are prepared to explore every available defense strategy. You can only be convicted in a drug conspiracy case if the government can demonstrate you deliberately agreed to participate and had knowledge of the unlawful conduct involved. We can also work to weaken the prosecution’s case if the law enforcement officials obtained evidence illegally and/or you attempted to end your involvement in the conspiracy. No matter your circumstances, our team at Peek Law Group is committed to championing your rights and defending your freedom.
Contact us online or call (512)-474-4445 to discuss your case with us. We offer payment plans and provide our legal services in English and Spanish.
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