Montgomery County Federal Drug Investigations
Federal prosecutors and judges treat federal drug cases very seriously. However, even when judges and prosecutors want to be more lenient, they are prevented from doing so by the sentencing guidelines and the federal drug laws, which have very severe minimums and maximums in place based on the type of charge and weight of the drugs. Individuals could face serious consequences such as jail time if convicted.
It is best to speak to a knowledgeable federal drug attorney as soon as possible following an arrest or charge. They could walk you through the steps of Montgomery County federal drug investigations as well as help you build a defense. A diligent drug attorney understands the applicable laws, things to avoid, and how to fight the charges to help individuals avoid a conviction.
How are federal drug cases typically investigated in Montgomery County?
The agencies typically involved in Montgomery County federal drug investigations are the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) task force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) if they are pursuing firearms and drugs. If they come up in a related investigation, they would also be part of the investigation. For higher levels of drug trafficking offenses, several other branches related to the financial investigation may be called to join in the investigation and ultimately testify.
Federal drug cases are typically investigated in Montgomery County by the state authorities of the different township police departments. The local authorities may not realize that the case will eventually be picked up by federal prosecutors until a later time or until the end of their investigation. However, if the local authorities require federal involvement or if the FBI or DEA chooses to pick up the case, the investigating authorities may end up making the arrest and bringing the charge in federal court.
There are times in which people are investigated by the FBI and by the DEA taskforce and still charged in state court. Just because the arrest is made by the DEA or FBI Task Force it does not mean the case will ultimately end up in federal court.
Common Mistakes Individuals Make During a Drug Investigation
Some of the most common mistakes individuals make during a Montgomery County federal drug investigation involves written, typed, or texted communication about the crime either immediately after the arrest or in the ensuing months awaiting trial and sentencing. Federal agencies are much more likely to take the time and use the resources to subpoena and get a warrant for all phone records, text messages, and social media accounts. They would check all of the defendant’s digital communications and look for any signs that indicate guilt as opposed to innocence. Also, any signs that show the person is not remorseful or does not take the charges seriously, they may use, if not at trial, then at sentencing to hit an aggravating factor, such as lack of remorse by the defendant.
How a Montgomery County Federal Drug Attorney Could Help
The penalties for a federal drug conviction can be harsh in Montgomery County. Those who have been charged with a federal narcotics offense should immediately seek help from an experienced attorney. They could help you understand the process for Montgomery County federal drug investigations and help you avoid a conviction. Call today to learn more about how a federal drug attorney could help your case.