Felony-Level Drug Crimes Can Destroy Your Life
Make no mistake: If you have been charged with a federal narcotics trafficking or possession charge, the U.S. attorney’s office has completed its case against you and is ready for trial. Your first day in court typically occurs after the government has spent months, or years, conducting an extensive investigation into every aspect of your life.
The time to secure aggressive, experienced defense counsel is now.
Over 20 Years Of Criminal Law Experience On Your Side
I founded J. Pete Theodocion, Attorney at Law, to serve residents of Augusta and surrounding areas of Georgia. I am one of only a handful of defense attorneys in the region with extensive experience in all areas of the federal criminal justice system. I understand the way federal prosecutors investigate and prepare their cases, I know the procedures for protecting your rights, and I have extensive knowledge of the federal sentencing guidelines.
I know that a federal drug charge is the biggest problem you have ever faced. I’ll fight hard to make sure that you are not another government statistic. The federal government may win most of their cases, but they don’t have to win your case.
Understanding Mandatory Minimums For Federal Drug Charges
While decriminalization for drugs such as marijuana have seen considerable decriminalization at the state-level, the federal government maintains strict drug prohibitions. The two most impactful laws are surrounding drug trafficking (21 U.S.C. § 841) and drug conspiracy (21 U.S.C. § 846).
These laws dictate that drug trafficking specific types of drugs can carry either a five- or 10-year sentence minimum. Additionally, the laws also double the mandatory minimum if the person facing charges has a priori felony drug conviction. Make no mistake, a conviction for a federal drug crime is devastating, and the stakes could not be higher.
DEA Investigations And Methods
The drug enforcement agency (DEA) is the primary federal law enforcement agency pursuing drug cases. They have nationwide jurisdiction on drug cases, and use a variety of methods to collect evidence including:
- Wiretaps
- Confidential informants (CIs)
- Controlled purchases
- Surveillance
- Search warrants
However, these methods all have unique weaknesses. Criminal informants, for instance, can have their credibility challenged. Search warrants must be conducted according to the strict guidelines in the warrant. Every way that the DEA collects evidence and builds cases is an opening for law enforcement to overstep and make the evidence they collect suspect. As a former prosecutor, I’ve seen exactly how agents make mistakes that jeopardize cases, and I can capitalize on those mistakes to protect you.
Fighting The Federal Sentencing Guidelines
Understanding the federal sentencing guidelines is key to a successful defense. Experienced federal criminal attorneys know that the time to consult these guidelines is not right before sentencing, but at the very outset of your case.
Federal drug trafficking and possession offenses are a major focus of my law firm. The sooner we can start suppressing illegal evidence and preparing a strong defense against a grand jury indictment, the better chance we will have of attaining a beneficial outcome.
I have experience in all areas of federal narcotics crimes defense, including:
- Transporting or smuggling drugs, internationally or across state lines
- Conspiracy charges
- Manufacturing or cultivation offenses
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Firearm offenses related to narcotics crimes
- Tax evasion, tax fraud and money laundering
There Is No Time To Lose. Act Now.
You do not need to face these challenging times alone. Contact my office online today, or call 706-250-8762 and schedule your free initial consultation.