In the United States, it is illegal for any person to possess, sell, use, grow, or distribute unlawful controlled substances.  Unlawful controlled substances include, but are not limited to:  marijuana, heroin, cocaine, LSD, methamphetamines, Ecstasy, and unauthorized prescription medications, like Vicodin or OxyContin.  Any person who is found to have possessed, sold, used, grown, or distributed narcotics in the United States can be charged with a drug crime at the state, and even federal, level.

Typically, people are charged with federal drug crimes when they commit drug related offenses on a large scale level or partake in international drug offenses such as drug importing, drug exporting, drug distributing, drug manufacturing, and/or money laundering.  After a person is suspected of committing a federal drug crime, it is likely that he/she will be investigated by the FBI, CIA, or other federal agencies. 

Unlike state drug charges, people who are charged at the federal level will face long and invasive investigations, ongoing questioning, continual surveillance, and aggressive prosecution from federal attorneys.  For this reason, people who have been charged with federal drug offenses must always consider hiring a reputable drug defense attorney with both state and federal experience.   

Common Federal Drug Crimes

There are numerous types of federal drug crimes.  Some of the most frequently committed federal drug crimes include, but are not limited to:

• drug importation
• drug exportation
• drug manufacturing
• drug trafficking
• drug distribution
• drug cultivation
• money laundering
• possession for sale

Most federal drug charges are categorized as felonies, which means that if the person is convicted of the committing a federal drug crime, he/she may be imprisoned for over a year.  Additionally, people who are convicted of federal drug charges in may have to:  be placed on probation, attend drug and alcohol treatment programs, or pay fines.  

Los Angeles & San Fernando Valley Federal Drug Charges Defense Law Firm

If you have been charged with a federal drug crime, contact the reputable Los Angeles defense attorneys at the Hedding Law Firm to review your case with a reputable legal professional.