Federal Drug Trafficking

Drug Trafficking: How Josh Tomsheck of Hofland & Tomsheck Can Defend You Against Federal Drug Trafficking Charges

Drug trafficking involves the illegal manufacturing, distribution, and transportation of controlled substances, often on a large scale. Federal drug trafficking charges are some of the most severe in the U.S. criminal justice system, particularly when significant quantities of drugs or complex trafficking organizations are involved. Federal authorities, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), aggressively pursue drug trafficking cases, and convictions can lead to long prison sentences, hefty fines, and asset forfeiture.

If you or someone you know is facing federal drug trafficking charges, it is crucial to have a skilled attorney who understands the complexities of federal drug laws. Josh Tomsheck, a nationally Board-Certified criminal defense attorney with Hofland & Tomsheck, has extensive experience defending clients against drug trafficking charges. His knowledge of federal drug laws and commitment to his clients make him a trusted advocate in these serious cases.

Understanding Federal Drug Trafficking Laws

Federal drug trafficking is prosecuted under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which regulates the manufacturing, distribution, and transportation of controlled substances. Drug trafficking charges often involve large quantities of drugs, multiple defendants, and complex criminal organizations.

• Drug Trafficking (21 U.S.C. § 841): This statute makes it a federal crime to manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. The penalties for violating 21 U.S.C. § 841 depend on the type and quantity of drugs involved, as well as the defendant’s criminal history.
• Conspiracy to Traffic Drugs (21 U.S.C. § 846): Drug trafficking cases often involve conspiracy charges, which can apply even if the defendant did not personally handle or distribute the drugs. Under this statute, any agreement to manufacture, distribute, or traffic drugs, along with an overt act in furtherance of the conspiracy, can result in federal charges.
• Aggravating Factors in Drug Trafficking Cases: Certain factors can increase the penalties for drug trafficking, including the use of firearms, the involvement of minors, and trafficking drugs near schools or other protected areas.

Penalties for Federal Drug Trafficking Convictions

Federal drug trafficking convictions carry some of the harshest penalties in the criminal justice system. The severity of the penalties depends on the quantity of drugs involved, the defendant’s role in the trafficking operation, and any prior criminal history.

• Mandatory Minimum Sentences: Federal drug trafficking laws impose mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses. For example, trafficking more than 500 grams of cocaine or 1 kilogram of heroin can result in a minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. Larger quantities or repeat offenses can lead to even harsher penalties.
• Long-term Imprisonment: Defendants convicted of largescale drug trafficking can face sentences of 20 years to life in prison, especially if they have prior convictions or are leaders of a drug trafficking organization.
• Fines: Federal drug trafficking convictions can result in significant fines, often in the range of hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the amount of drugs involved and the scope of the trafficking operation.
• Asset Forfeiture: Defendants convicted of drug trafficking may also face asset forfeiture, where the government seizes property related to the trafficking operation, such as vehicles, homes, or bank accounts.
• Supervised Release: In addition to imprisonment, defendants may be sentenced to a period of supervised release, during which they must comply with strict conditions, such as regular drug testing and reporting to a probation officer.

Common Defenses in Federal Drug Trafficking Cases

When defending against federal drug trafficking charges, Josh Tomsheck uses a variety of defense strategies tailored to the specifics of each case. Some common defenses include:

• Challenging the Legality of the Search and Seizure: The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unlawful searches and seizures. If law enforcement officers obtained evidence of drug trafficking through an illegal search, Josh Tomsheck will file a motion to suppress that evidence, which could lead to a dismissal of the charges.
• Lack of Knowledge or Involvement: In some cases, individuals may be wrongfully accused of participating in a drug trafficking operation. Josh Tomsheck will work to demonstrate that the defendant had no knowledge of the drug trafficking activities or was not directly involved in the operation.
• Entrapment: Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces a person to commit a crime they otherwise would not have committed. If undercover agents or informants pressured the defendant into participating in a drug trafficking operation, Josh Tomsheck may argue that the defendant was entrapped and should not be held criminally liable.

• Challenging the Quantity of Drugs: The penalties for drug trafficking depend largely on the quantity of drugs involved. Josh Tomsheck will carefully review the evidence to determine if law enforcement accurately calculated the quantity of drugs, and he may challenge these calculations if they were inflated or incorrect.

How Josh Tomsheck Can Help You in Federal Drug Trafficking Cases

Federal drug trafficking cases are complex and require an attorney with a deep understanding of federal drug laws and the intricacies of trafficking operations. Josh Tomsheck is an experienced, nationally Board Certified criminal defense lawyer who has successfully defended clients against a wide range of federal drug charges, including drug trafficking.

Here’s why Josh Tomsheck is the best choice for your defense:

• Expertise in Federal Drug Law: Tomsheck’s knowledge of the Controlled Substances Act and other federal statutes governing drug trafficking allows him to build strong defense strategies tailored to the specific facts of each case.
• Proven Track Record in Federal Court: Josh Tomsheck has extensive experience defending clients in federal court and has successfully secured reduced sentences, dismissals, and acquittals for his clients in drug trafficking cases.
• Personalized Defense Strategy: Every case is different, and Josh Tomsheck takes the time to understand the specific facts and circumstances of each client’s case. He develops a personalized defense strategy aimed at minimizing penalties and protecting your rights.
• Aggressive Defense: Known for his dedication and tenacity, Josh Tomsheck will fight for you at every stage of the case, from pretrial motions to trial and sentencing. He is committed to securing the best possible outcome for his clients.

Contact Josh Tomsheck for a Consultation

If you or a loved one is facing federal drug trafficking charges, don’t wait to seek legal representation. Contact Josh Tomsheck at the Law Firm of Hofland & Tomsheck today for a consultation. With his experience, knowledge, and dedication, you can trust that your case is in capable hands.