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Philadelphia Federal Drug Distribution Charges: Heroin, Cocaine, Meth and Marijuana
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Philadelphia Federal Drug Distribution Charges: Heroin, Cocaine, Meth and Marijuana
Getting charged with federal drug crimes in Philadelphia can be scary. But there are defenses and options people should know about. This article looks at common charges like heroin, cocaine, meth and marijuana distribution, and what happens if the feds catch you.
Heroin Charges
Heroin laws are strict. Even having a small amount can lead to charges. Distribution charges are more serious. They mean you sold or shared drugs. Mandatory minimums apply. So people face years in federal prison.
The main federal law is 21 U.S. Code § 841. It bans manufacturing or distributing controlled substances. Heroin is a Schedule I drug. So police can charge this for any amount they think was for sale. Amounts for personal use versus distribution don’t matter.
Penalties get harsh based on drug weight. Even a few grams can mean years in prison. And if someone dies from drugs you distributed, 21 U.S. Code § 841(b)(1)(C) adds 20 years to life. So people should fight charges aggressively. There are defenses around entrapment, illegal searches, or mistaken identity they should explore.
Cocaine Charges
Cocaine is illegal under federal law too. Distribution charges have mandatory minimum sentences. It depends how much cocaine police say someone had. Trafficking over 500 grams means 5 years in prison. From 5 to 50 kilograms is a 10 year minimum. More can mean up to life in prison.
But there are legal defenses people can try. Like if police did an illegal search without a warrant. Or if someone was coerced into delivering drugs. Duress and entrapment matter. People should fight charges and make prosecutors prove their case.
Meth Charges
Meth is an illegal Schedule II stimulant. Distribution charges are under 21 U.S. Code § 841 too. Mandatory minimums start at 5 years for 5 grams. From 50-500 grams means 10 years. It goes up to life in prison for heavier weights. Conspiracy charges can add more prison time too.
But factual defenses can help. Police tests might show lower drug weights. Or people may not have known about drugs. There are also technical defenses around illegal searches. An experienced lawyer is important to identify options.
Marijuana Charges
Marijuana is illegal federally. But state laws vary. In Pennsylvania medical marijuana is allowed. Some think federal law doesn’t apply if state law permits it. But that’s not quite right. Federal law still bans marijuana sales or distribution.
So federal charges are still possible in Pennsylvania. It depends how much marijuana police seize. Smaller personal use amounts may just lead to fines or probation. But distribution of over 50 kilograms means 5 years in federal prison. And 1,000 kilograms or more means 10 years to life.
Defenses depend on the facts too. Illegal searches, entrapment, or lack of knowledge all matter. As do technicalities around drug weights. An lawyer experienced with federal drug crimes is important for the best defense.
What Happens If the Feds Catch You?
So what happens if federal agents arrest someone for drug distribution charges in Philadelphia? First they’ll be taken to a detention center for booking. They’ll face a judge soon after that. Unless they get bail, they’ll stay in federal custody until their trial.
Philadelphia federal trials happen in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The courthouse is in Center City Philadelphia. Federal prosecutors have a very high conviction rate. So fighting charges is an uphill battle. But it’s still important to try and avoid long mandatory prison sentences.
If convicted, people serve their sentence in federal prisons. They may stay locally at the Federal Detention Center in Center City. Or they’ll go to another federal prison that matches their security level. Low security prisons have dorms and more freedom. But higher security ones are more restrictive with cells instead.
Getting Help with Federal Drug Charges
Facing federal drug distribution charges is scary. Mandatory minimum sentences mean years in prison. And federal prosecutors almost never offer plea bargains to avoid them. So people need an experienced federal drug crimes lawyer.
They’ll know technical defenses and legal options prosecutors miss. And they’ll craft the best defense strategy for a case. That gives someone their best chance at beating charges or reducing sentences. So finding the right lawyer is crucial after an arrest.
People shouldn’t wait or hope charges will go away. The federal justice system is rigid. So fighting back hard and early is important. An lawyer knows how to stand up to federal prosecutors. And they make sure someone’s rights are protected each step of the way.
So if federal agents show up at someone’s door in Philadelphia, don’t answer questions. Call a lawyer immediately instead. Distributing drugs means serious charges and prison time. But an lawyer gives people the power to fight back.