Kalamazoo Federal Drug Crimes Defense Attorneys

If you have been charged with a federal drug crime, you need to secure legal representation from a skilled lawyer experienced in handling federal criminal cases. Even if you only suspect you are under investigation, you must seek trusted legal counsel. Federal prosecutors have extensive resources at their disposal, and they will not hesitate to throw everything they have at a case. Additionally, with mandatory minimum sentencing for many drug offenses, you potentially face years in federal prison.

Levine & Levine is well-known for our creative and rigorous defense strategies. Call us at (269) 218-8880or send us a message onlineto schedule a free case consultation. 

Since 1987, our federal drug crime defense lawyers in Kalamazoo have been defending cases in federal court. Our practice is rooted in an intellectual understanding of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and we are experienced, aggressive litigators. Every aspect of a federal case is vitally important, and our lawyers treat every case with the care and seriousness it deserves. We are tireless in pursuing justice for our clients, and we don’t back down from a fight.

Fighting Federal Drug Charges

Many clients facing federal drug charges report feeling overwhelmed. The federal judicial system is vast and complicated, and federal drug laws are notoriously harsh. When investigating and prosecuting a federal drug offense, several government agencies are likely to be involved. From the FBI and DEA to ICE and the ATF, the federal government has a wide range of available resources. They use everything they have to prosecute drug offenses, and it takes a strong and creative defense strategy to fight these charges effectively.

Examples of federal drug charges include:

Mandatory Minimum Sentencing for Drug Convictions

The United States Sentencing Commission develops sentencing guidelines for the federal court system, including the mandatory minimum penalties for drug crime convictions. The minimum compulsory penalties you may face for a federal drug crime depend upon the types of drugs involved in your case, as well as the volume of drugs in question. For example, the triggering thresholds for 5- and 10-year mandatory minimum sentences for a heroin conviction are 100g and 1kg, respectively.

There are two ways a defendant may avoid the mandatory minimum penalty. Firstly, if the defendant meets the substantial assistance exception, a motion may be filed by the prosecution attesting to the defendant’s assistance in investigating or prosecuting another offender. Secondly, if the defendant meets the Safety Valve exception criteria, they may avoid mandatory minimum sentencing penalties.

To meet the Safety Valve exception, the defendant must:

• Have a minimal criminal record
• Not be the leader, organizer, or supervisor of the offense
• Not have used violence in the commission of the current offense
• Reveal all that they know about the current offense and related misconduct before sentencing
• Be able to prove that the offense in question did not result in serious injury

In 2019, 68.1% of drug offenders were convicted with a mandatory minimum penalty. Average sentencesfor these convictions were: 

• 133 months
• 58 months for those who received relief of some kind

You Are Not Alone

If you are accused of a federal drug offense, you may be feeling scared and isolated. In addition to damaging your personal and professional reputation, you also face heavy fines and lengthy prison sentences. However, you do not have to fight these charges alone.

Our Kalamazoo federal drug crime lawyers offer reputable legal representation in the following Michigan counties:

Levine & Levine has an exceptionally high acquittal rate, and our success rate speaks for itself. We are well-respected within the legal community, and we are known for our dedication to our clients. Because federal cases can take significantly longer to resolve than those at the state level, resilience and attention to detail are key to developing a strong defense strategy. We work hard for our clients, and we stick by them every step of the way.

We are honored to provide our clients with the experienced advocacy they need to feel confident in court. To discuss your federal drug crime case with a professional, dedicated legal team, call us at (269) 218-8880 or connect with us online.