The federal government devotes immense resources to the investigation and prosecution of drug trafficking crimes. If you face federal drug charges, chances are the government’s case is very well-prepared. You need a defense lawyer who is highly experienced, knowledgeable in the law and determined to succeed. Securing experienced and effective counsel at the earliest stages of a federal drug case often makes an enormous difference in the outcome, and can save many years, even decades in federal prison.
At Hale Law Firm, PC, in Raleigh, North Carolina, we vigorously defend people accused of all types of federal drug crimes, including trafficking illegal drugs and conspiracy to distribute. We also defend people charged with related federal crimes such as money laundering and weapons charges. We will fight for your rights and freedom at every step.
As skilled advocates and negotiators, we recognize that not all federal drug cases are won at trial. Often they are won without any trial at all, through skilled negotiation and early action, in order to avoid a lengthy prison sentence. However, where trial is the best course of action, we will vigorously defend you against a federal drug prosecution.
Defense Strategies Grounded In The Fourth Amendment
In drug cases, we routinely consider whether any evidence against you was seized illegally by law enforcement. The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits the use of unreasonable search and seizure techniques. It also requires that search warrants be legally issued and describe specifically the place of the search and the things to be taken as evidence.
When representing people charged with federal crimes, we first seek to determine whether any evidence seized was taken in violation of the Fourth Amendment or any other federal laws. If so, we may seek to suppress the evidence so that it cannot be used by the government at trial.
A Note About Conspiracy Charges
Most federal drug prosecutions include a conspiracy charge. “Conspiracy” is a notoriously vague charge that federal prosecutors often use when two or more people are implicated in criminal activity. To gain a conviction, the government must show only that:
- There was an agreement between two or more people to violate a federal law
- The conspirators knew of the illegal agreement and agreed to participate in it
In some federal drug conspiracy prosecutions, no drugs are ever even recovered. Prosecutions may be based on historical facts alone, typically through the testimony of alleged co-conspirators who are in jail and serving lengthy prison sentences and hoping for a sentence reduction.
Our lawyer has extensive experience defending against conspiracy and other charges in federal court. If a federal drug conspiracy case proceeds to trial, we will challenge the prosecution’s case with whatever means are at our disposal. We use investigators to probe for weaknesses in the government’s case. We will seek to uncover information about government witnesses that may affect the jury’s determination about their credibility. We will seek to suppress evidence that was illegally obtained. We will vigorously cross-examine government witnesses at trial and seek to sever the link between our client and the other members of the so-called conspiracy.
Experienced Sentencing Advocates
Most federal prosecutions result in a sentencing hearing. Therefore, it is critical to secure an experienced sentencing advocate, in order to lessen the severity of punishment should a conviction be obtained. The United States Sentencing Guidelines that apply to federal drug crimes are often as confusing to the inexperienced, as they are harsh to defendants.
With over 25 years of experience defending federal criminal cases using the United States Sentencing Guidelines, we are well-versed in how to save our clients years in federal prison through effective advocacy at sentencing.
Federal Rule Of Criminal Procedure 35 Representation
In addition to representing defendants at trial and at sentencing, we also represent people who have been convicted of federal crimes in order to help them achieve sentence reductions pursuant to Rule 35 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Federal sentences can be reduced even years after defendants are imprisoned, if a defendant is able to assist the government in the prosecution of other defendants.
We have achieved sentence reductions for many people sentenced to long federal prison sentences. Although only the United States can move for a sentence reduction, effective representation is essential to achieving a time cut.
Effective And Experienced Representation
For a free initial consultation with an attorney about a federal drug crime in North Carolina, call Hale Law Firm, PC, at 919-838-0058 or complete this email form.