Federal Drug Distribution Lawyer in Houston

Lawyer for Federal Drug Distribution Charges in Houston, TX

While possessing an illicit substance for your own personal use may result in treatment and probation, distributing drugs is taken far more seriously. The war on drugs has been going on for many years. Due to the social ills caused by rampant drug use nationwide, the federal government is highly interested in preventing the distribution of drugs. Drug distribution offenses may happen on a very large scale or a very small scale. While the term "drug distribution" calls to mind the image of a career criminal who earns his money by selling drugs, the definition of this crime is not nearly so limited. Even passing out drugs to your friends may lead to this serious charge.

Bennett & Bennett is highly experienced in federal criminal defense. Our firm is devoted to defending those who are facing federal charges. We are confident and skilled in and out of the courtroom. Our attorneys will do all we can to protect your rights and preserve your freedom and lifestyle. Over the years, our legal team has developed a number of powerful criminal defense strategies. We understand what is at stake for you and will not stop fighting for you.

Understanding Drug Distribution Charges

The offense is called drug distribution rather than drug dealing because it is not only drug dealers who may be charged with this offense. The ways this offense can be committed may vary significantly. Drug distribution may involve directly selling or giving drugs to others, as well as transporting large quantities of controlled substances and delivering them to others who plan to sell them to individual drug users. Drug trafficking charges may apply when controlled substances are transported across state lines or imported into the United States from another country.

You could be charged with federal drug distribution if you:

• Share a prescription—It is illegal to give a prescription medication to anyone it was not prescribed for. Sharing a prescription medication like Xanax or Oxycodone with a friend can be considered drug distribution.
• Make a group purchase—It is common for people who use drugs to make a purchase as a group, sending one individual to make the pickup. When that person returns and distributes the drugs to their group, they could be arrested for drug distribution. In states like Texas, where marijuana is illegal, it is somewhat common for a person to cross state lines into a legal state and "stock up" on cannabis products. Sharing what you bring back may be considered drug distribution.
• Sell illicit drugs—Even if you only occasionally sell an illicit substance to people you know, you could be charged with drug distribution. Those who sell drugs as their primary means of earning income can face very serious charges and a long prison term.

If the government believes you were planning to commit a drug offense like distribution with others, you could be charged with drug conspiracy. This related drug crime is another serious offense.

Drug distribution is often charged at the federal level in cases where the quantity is significant, where distribution takes place on federal grounds, or when the defendant has crossed state lines in committing the offense. Sometimes even a small distribution of drugs will be charged federally if the Government can connect it with a larger drug conspiracy.

Consequences of Drug Distribution

If you are convicted, you will likely face a minimum sentence of two years in prison. There are associated fines as well, which can be quite substantial. You may also face asset forfeiture, meaning the government can confiscate anything it believes you purchased with money you earned distributing drugs. They will likely also confiscate any money stemming from the sale of illicit substances.

Even after the sentence has been completed, the conviction can follow you for the rest of your life. This type of conviction can close doors in your future, as finding employment and housing can be difficult for felons.

The best thing you can do is to immediately reach out to a well-qualified federal criminal defense attorney.

Contact a Federal Drug Distribution Lawyer in Texas

Bennett & Bennett has years of experience defending people who have been charged with federal drug distribution. If you are facing this charge, our drug distribution attorneys will do all we can to help you. For an initial consultation, please contact us at 713-224-1747.