Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties

When it comes to drug crimes, trafficking is one of the worst offenses you can be charged with.

A federal offense, under 21 U.S.C §841, §842, and §843, drug trafficking could be punishable by lengthy incarceration in a federal prison as well as costly fines.

Whether you are accused of trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl or any other controlled substance, you are in serious trouble.

However, with the guidance of an experienced drug trafficking attorney in Florida, you may be able to have the charges dismissed, or have the sentence against you reduced.

What is drug trafficking?

Drug trafficking refers to the sale and distribution of illegal substances.

If you are arrested on federal property, in possession or conspired with individuals that have been involved with trafficking of drug crimes, you may likely be charged federally.

The penalties for federal drug crimes could be much harsher than those for state level offenses in some cases based on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines under §2D1.1.

Here are some common drug trafficking offenses:

• Cocaine — Cocaine is a schedule II drug and if you are arrested for trafficking 500 – 4999 grams mixture, you face a minimum of 5 years in federal prison, but no more than 40 years. If someone suffers serious injury or death, you face 20-life imprisonment.
• Methamphetamine — For trafficking 5 – 49 grams pure or 50 – 499 grams mixture, you may be sentenced to between 5 and 40 years in a federal prison. Since methamphetamine is also a schedule II drug, you face similar penalties to that of cocaine. Again, if a person suffers death or injury during your commission of the crime, you face at least 20 years in prison.
• Fentanyl — Trafficking 40 – 399 gms mixture of fentanyl is punishable between 5 and 40 years in prison.

Remember, in addition to prison time, you face fines of $2 million (if you are an individual).

Furthermore, the above penalties are for first-time offenders.

A second offense of trafficking any of the above schedule II drugs is punishable by between 10 years and life imprisonment and as much as $4 million in fines.

When you are accused of federal drug trafficking, you need a skilled and knowledgeable attorney to help protect your reputation, freedom, and future.

Let a seasoned federal drug crime defense lawyer be your voice

The Law Office of Nayib Hassan, P.A., provides top-tier legal service to Florida clients charged with trafficking and other federal drug crimes.

Call (305) 403-7323 or contact us online to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney today.