Edwardsville Federal Drug Crime Lawyer

Edwardsville Federal Drug Crime Attorney

Federal Drug Charges Carry Severe Consequences; Requiring Aggressive Criminal Defense Advocacy

While state and federal laws criminalize the possession, manufacture and sale of illegal drugs, typically drug charges are prosecuted at the federal level only in cases that involve the distribution or manufacture of large quantities of controlled substances over state lines.

If you have been charged with a federal drug crime — or if you believe you are the target of a federal drug crime investigation — the importance of immediately obtaining aggressive legal representation cannot be overstated. Not every criminal defense lawyer has experience in identifying and handling the many evidentiary issues that arise in federal cases, but you need that kind of experience on your side to ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the federal drug crime defense process.

At The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, established, experienced and respected drug crime dense attorney Jessica Koester defends the rights and freedom of clients charged with a variety of federal drug offenses, including drug trafficking and drug manufacturing. Ms. Koester has substantial courtroom and trial experience defending clients involving both Illinois state drug crimes, as well as federal drug charges.

Contact a criminal defense trial lawyer in Edwardsville, Illinois, by calling 618-692-4900. The initial consultation is free.

The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, handles serious federal drug crime cases involving the full-spectrum of controlled, substances including, but not limited to the following:

• Heroin
• Meth
• Marijuana
• Prescription drugs
• Cocaine
• Ecstasy
• LSD

When Does A Local Drug Offense In Illinois Become A Federal Charge?

When it comes to certain drug offenses, there are two levels of criminal law that you might have to deal with. Both Illinois and the federal government prohibit the production, distribution and sale of certain controlled substances like heroin, meth and cocaine. Trafficking certain prescription drugs can also lead to criminal charges at either the state or federal level. There is often overlap in investigations. Local or state police may alert federal authorities, or federal investigators may learn about an arrest in the media and launch their own probe.

Charges in state or federal court can both lead to serious penalties. But federal drug charges tend to be more serious and involve a lengthy prison sentence if you are convicted. It’s important to know when you could be facing federal-level charges and when your case will more likely stay in circuit court.

Criminal Conspiracy

One thing that gets the attention of the DEA and federal prosecutors is the possibility of leveling conspiracy charges. Under federal law, a criminal conspiracy occurs when two or more people agree to commit a crime and at least one of the people involved takes a concrete step toward completing the scheme. In other words, you do not have to actually complete a drug transaction to be caught up in federal conspiracy charges.

It is possible to face serious charges upon allegations of a very indirect or minor role in a scheme, or simply have been part of a conversation about trafficking drugs. But you could still face the same conspiracy charge as the ringleaders. The consequences of a conviction include up to 20 years in prison for each count of conspiracy.

Racketeering

Another federal statute that prosecutors often apply to drug cases is the RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act. This law theoretically targets individuals allegedly involved in organized crime. You may face charges of a RICO violation and the underlying crime over the same evidence. This combination makes the punishment you face potentially even more severe. Many such cases start when someone calls or receives a call on a number that federal agents have under a warrant for a wiretap.

Crossing State Lines

When criminal activity crosses state lines, federal jurisdiction can apply under the Commerce Clause in the Constitution. This often arises in drug cases, for example when you are accused of transporting drugs from another state.

Amount Of Drugs Seized

Federal criminal charges don’t usually result from relatively small amounts of drugs. Larger amounts by weight can lead to federal charges with mandatory minimum prison sentences. For example, a conviction for trafficking 10-99 grams of fentanyl mixture carries a prison term of five to 40 years.

The Criminal Defense Law Firm You Can Rely On In Illinois Courts And Federal Court

Because you could face either state or federal drug charges, you need a defense attorney who is experienced in both. Attorney Jessica J. Koester of The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC, has defended clients in federal and state courthouses in Illinois for more than 25 years. She works tenaciously at every stage, from discovery and pre-trial motions to plea bargaining and trial, to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and defend your rights. Jessica Koester personally prepares every detail of her client’s defense and has a proven record of dismissals and not-guilty pleas. She always answers her phone, including evenings and weekends.

Increased Penalties For Federal Drug Crimes

Although in recent years there have been positive steps in the right direction, the federal government’s “war on drugs” is still in effect, and the possible penalties for a federal drug conviction are severe.

Mandatory minimum sentences apply for many federal drug convictions, and there may be a period of mandatory supervision after release from prison. In addition to years of incarceration, the penalties for a federal conviction may include tens of thousands of dollars in fines and the forfeiture of property.

Increasingly, other charges such as money laundering, wire fraud and racketeering are brought in conjunction with charges of drug manufacturing, distribution and cultivation. To minimize the negative consequences of these charges, it is crucial that you have a federal crime defense lawyer who will fight to protect your rights as aggressively as the prosecution seeks to take them away.

Strong Defense Against Federal Drug Crime Charges

If you are facing federal drug charges of any kind, do not hesitate to contact The Law Office of Jessica Koester, LLC. in Edwardsville, Illinois. Founding attorney Jessica Koester has a wealth of experience in handling federal criminal drug crime defense. For a free initial consultation, call us at 618-692-4900.