If police arrest you for a federal drug crime, it is important to secure reliable legal help. In general, federal crimes are penalized more harshly than state crimes. If you are convicted, you could face a lengthy prison sentence and expensive fines. However, depending on the details of your specific case, a lawyer may be able to help get the charges against you reduced or dismissed.

Penalties

The federal government punishes drug crimes severely, making an example out of those convicted to deter future offenders. The following are examples of federal drug crimes and their penalties:

• Cocaine — Possession of between 500 and 4,999 grams of cocaine is a federal offense. If convicted, you face a minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years. Furthermore, you could face millions of dollars in fines.
• Marijuana — Individuals arrested for trafficking more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana face severe penalties. If convicted of such a crime, you face a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison. In the event that a person dies or is seriously injured during your alleged commission of the crime, you face a minimum of 20 years in prison.
• Heroin — If police arrest you for possession of between 100 and 999 grams of heroin, you could receive between five and 40 years in prison, depending on the circumstances of your case.

Whether you face state or federal drug charges, your freedom and reputation may be on the line. Drug crimes carry a stigma, and your social and professional life may be affected by your conviction.