Drug trafficking is one of the most serious criminal offenses prosecuted in the U.S. that is related to controlled substances. Individuals accused of trafficking offenses may have sold drugs to others, transported controlled substances or participated in a scheme related to their distribution.
Many people accused of drug crimes expect to face state charges. However, most of the substances banned at the state level are also prohibited under federal law. Individuals accused of drug trafficking may find themselves facing federal criminal charges instead of state charges.
Why does the federal government often prosecute drug trafficking cases?
International or interstate implications
Frequently, the supply of a drug is outside of the jurisdiction where police officers arrest an individual. Drugs brought in from another state or another country create jurisdiction issues that might justify federal prosecution.
Federal investigations
Local police departments sometimes reach out to federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), when there are suspicions of significant drug trafficking activity. When federal agencies investigate criminal activity or arrest individuals, federal prosecution is more likely.
Claims of a conspiracy
Frequently, drug trafficking involves multiple people. Federal prosecutors may take control of the case and may pursue conspiracy charges. Federal statutes may allow for the prosecution of everyone implicated in a scheme through a single criminal case.
Anyone facing federal drug charges is at risk of a life-altering criminal record and possibly even a mandatory minimum sentence. Working with a criminal defense attorney can help those at risk of federal prosecution understand their options before their case pleads out or goes to trial.
