Smuggling
Importing illegal drugs or ‘drug smuggling’ is a federal offense. No matter what type of drug or amount of narcotics that are being smuggled, the penalties are severe. Under the federal legal system, a conviction for importing drugs involves mandatory prison time. In some circumstances, drug smuggling can be treated as an act of terrorism and can involve additional penalties.
Federal Penalties for Importing Drugs
The penalties for importing drugs depend on the type of drug being smuggled and the amount of that drug. Generally, drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, LSD and PCP will lead to more serious charges. For small amounts of these narcotics, the minimum mandatory sentence is around 5 years for a first offense. The penalties get much more serious as the number of offenses increase and the federal courts use a ‘three strike rule’ for large amounts of smuggled narcotics. On the third offense, it is a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.
The penalties are serious, and many offenses result in 10 or 20 year prison sentences. But there are also large fines to anyone convicted. The amount of fines depends on whether it is a single individual or an alleged ‘organized crime’ group. The fines start at $2 million and can go as high as $20 million. An experienced drug defense attorney will not only protect your liberty, but your assets as well.
Federal Drug Defense
If you are facing drug charges, then you need an attorney with experience defending Federal drug charges. The federal courts and the agencies that prosecute federal drug crimes, including the DEA and the FBI are extremely aggressive against drug importers. They have a strong impetus to lower the amount of drugs that are being imported to the U.S. every year. You can’t beat the DEA and the FBI with an attorney who does not have the time and experience that your case deserves. You need a team of experienced legal experts who will combine their knowledge to defend your rights.
Choosing the Right Lawyer with the Right Resources
Any good criminal attorney will not just defend you in court; they will investigate the circumstances surrounding the charges to find evidence that will defend you against the allegations. Even experienced agents from high-profile agencies such as the DEA and the FBI will make mistakes, but it takes a highly experienced lawyer to know when they have crossed the line. Your attorney must discover every time these agents have violated your rights, and every time they have jumped to conclusions over weak evidence. By doing so, some of the most incriminating evidence can be suppressed or weakened, and your charges can be reduced or even dismissed. Many drug charges get dismissed before even going to trial because of simple rights violations.
We have been handling high profile drug cases for 40 years. We know the courts in New Jersey and the Judges and Prosecutors who will be handling your case. Call us today at (732) 842-7773 or email us to set up your free consultation.
Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Federal Drug Smuggling Case in New Jersey
Having the right legal team on your side is critical in any situation. The lawyers at The moriarty Law Firm have been handling serious drug offeneses in New Jersey for decades. When you need the most competent legal help, look no further than the Moriarty family and their accomplished team of trial lawyers. We know that your freedom is the most important thing in the world to you and your family. We FIGHT for your freedom. Call us today to set up your free initial consultation at (732) 842-7773. We can also be reached via email. We are here to help you as we have helped so many others for the last 40 years.