Scrofano Law PC: Your DC Drug Trafficking Attorney
Need a skilled DC drug trafficking attorney? Scrofano Law PC offers aggressive defense and personalized strategies. Contact us now for a free consultation.
DC Drug Trafficking Lawyer
In the District of Columbia, a controlled substance is a drug or a substance regulated under state and federal laws. They are categorized into five schedules under federal and state Controlled Substances Acts (CSA).
Drug-related charges in Washington, D.C., can range from a misdemeanor to a felony. A simple possession of a controlled substance is a misdemeanor crime that carries a penalty of up to 180 days in jail and a potential fine of up to $1,000.
However, if you are charged with manufacturing, distribution, or possession with the intent to sell illegal drugs, you could be in serious trouble. Commonly associated with drug trafficking, these charges are punishable with harsh penalties under Washington D.C. drug laws. If convicted, you may end up in prison for up to 30 years and pay heavy fines.
Being charged with drug crimes can be scary. If convicted, your whole life can be at stake. Although DC courts tend to treat some drug crimes with a goal of treatment rather than incarceration, it’s not impossible to end up incarcerated. This is especially true if the charges include drug trafficking, in which case, retaining an experienced Washington, D.C. drug lawyer may be crucial.
The legal team at Scrofano Law PC has experience defending clients in different practice areas, including drug offenses and federal criminal cases. Reach out to us so we can discuss your case and develop a suitable legal strategy.
What Is Trafficking of Illegal Drugs?
Drug offenses can range from drug possession, possession with the intent to distribute to drug manufacturing and are criminalized under DC law in §48-904.01. Although possession with the intent to distribute narcotics and the actual distribution of narcotics sound similar, there is a difference between these crimes.
In case of possession with intent to distribute, the prosecution needs to prove the defendant had an intent to transfer a controlled substance. When it comes to distribution, the prosecution has to prove the actual transfer of a controlled substance from one individual to another. Nevertheless, both these crimes are felonies.
Drug trafficking is a crime that typically involves multiple people because it includes growing or manufacturing, transporting, and distributing controlled substances.
Penalties for Manufacturing, Distributing, or Possessing Controlled Substances With Intent to Distribute
The District of Columbia treats criminal charges of distributing drugs differently depending on the type of drug. For instance, the most severe penalties are for defendants convicted of distributing Schedule I drugs.
When convicted of possessing with intent to distribute Schedule I and Schedule II drugs that are classified as narcotic or abusive drugs, such as opium or cocaine, the potential penalty is up to 30 years in prison or up to $75,000 in fines or both.
But, if you are convicted of the same crime for Schedule I or II substances that cannot be categorized as narcotics or abusive drugs, the potential penalty is up to five years in prison or up to $12,500 in fines or both. The same consequences are applicable if the controlled substance in question is a Schedule III drug.
Intent to distribute Schedule IV drugs conviction can result in up to three years in prison or up to $12,500 in fines or both, while Schedule V drugs carry up to one year of incarceration, a fine of up to $2,500, or both.
Federal Drug Laws for Distributing a Controlled Substance
If a drug trade moves from one state to another, it becomes a federal-level crime that is heard in the federal court. That is probably the last place you want to find yourself in when facing drug charges. Penalties under the federal sentencing guidelines are much harsher than many U.S. state laws.
Federal drug trafficking cases can involve the cooperation of multiple law enforcement agencies. For example, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), and the local police can cooperate and investigate multiple people before making federal arrests.
If you are charged under federal drug laws, consider hiring a skilled federal drug lawyer. DC lawyers from Scrofano Law PC have represented clients in both federal and state courts.
How Can Scrofano Law PC Help?
We at Scrofano Law PC know that going through any criminal investigation and trial can be challenging. Drug trafficking cases in Washington, D.C. can be especially tough, with severe ramifications on your life and freedom. In addition to prison time and harsh fines, a conviction leads to a criminal record, often leading to collateral damage affecting employment opportunities, housing, and your future.
Hiring a knowledgeable Washington, DC, drug lawyer may benefit your case. An experienced lawyer from Scrofano Law PC plays a critical role in protecting the rights and interests of individuals facing drug-related charges. We can assist you with the following:
- Legal Knowledge: We have extensive knowledge of drug crime laws and regulations and can assist you in navigating the court system. We know what defenses work and what penalties you can expect.
- Strategic Defense: We thoroughly investigate the facts of your drug case, assess the evidence, scrutinize law enforcement procedures, and craft a strategic defense to challenge charges.
- Negotiation Skills: We can negotiate plea deals or alternative sentencing options to minimize penalties.
- Court Representation: We represent clients in court, ensuring a fair trial and advocating for reduced charges or acquittal.
- Support and Guidance: We provide emotional support and guidance throughout the legal process, helping individuals make informed decisions.
Scrofano Law PC Practice Areas
In addition to drug-related offenses, the legal team at Scrofano Law PC can help clients with other criminal charges as well, including:
- Assault
- Domestic violence
- Fraud
- Gun offenses
- Prostitution
- Sex offenses
- Solicitation
- Theft
Moreover, Scrofano Law PC has experience defending clients in federal criminal cases. Whether you are facing a federal gun charge or a charge involving a violent felony, we are ready to defend your rights.
Facing Drug Trafficking Charges? Contact Us Today!
Drug trafficking cases can be complex to prove. Not only does the prosecutor have to prove that drugs were illegal, but also that the defendant was distributing them to other individuals. Drug cases can often rely on circumstantial evidence. This gives knowledgeable and experienced DC drug lawyers at Scrofano Law PC several ways to attack the prosecutor’s case.
We can, for instance, question the scientific methods used to identify the alleged drugs. Challenging the legitimacy of the search warrant that authorized the police to collect evidence related to the alleged crime is an alternative method to cast doubt on the case.
When you choose Scrofano Law PC, you get a team of dedicated DC attorneys who will fight tirelessly for your rights. We provide quality legal services to every client. Whether you are accused of misdemeanor possession or trafficking large amounts of drugs, we can provide effective strategies and aggressive advocacy to achieve favorable results.
If you have been charged with drug trafficking or you believe you are under investigation for such crimes, reach out to a drug trafficking attorney at Scrofano Law PC today to schedule a free consultation today!
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