Federal Drug Trafficking
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    Federal Drug Trafficking Attorney in San Diego

    Federal drug trafficking charges differ from those at the California state level. In order to properly defend yourself against these charges, you need a federal drug trafficking defense attorney.

    David Silldorf has experience with federal drug trafficking crimes and can effectively represent you in federal court. Federal crimes often receive harsher sentences than state crimes, and many drug trafficking offenses carry lengthy prison sentences, including minimum mandatory punishments (most commonly a 10-year-minimum-mandatory sentence).

    Let David Silldorf be your advocate. Many of his federal drug trafficking cases have resulted in the government agreeing to dismiss his clients’ charges.  Contact us today.

    What is Considered Drug Trafficking?

    Drug trafficking, also called drug distribution, is the criminal act of unlawfully manufacturing, selling, transporting, or importing illegal drugs or controlled substances (including prescription drugs). Drug trafficking charges are similar to drug possession charges. In the case of drug trafficking, a person is found to be in possession of an illegal substance while knowingly or intentionally selling, transporting, or importing the drugs.

    If a person is arrested for drug possession and it is suspected that they intend to sell or deliver the drugs for commercial purposes, they will be charged with a felony drug trafficking offense. A drug trafficking charge can also be applied if a person is arrested while in possession of drugs and materials or tools used to sell or transport drugs (commonly referred to as drug paraphernalia). These can include:

    • Plastic Bags
    • A Scale
    • Large Amounts of Cash
    A person can be charged with Drug trafficking for being in possession of a large quantity of illegal drugs, regardless of whether the substance was sold or distributed for commercial purposes.

    When is it a Federal Drug Charge?

    There are both state and federal level laws that govern controlled substances. There are some cases where a defendant is in violation of both federal and state law.

    If a case occurs within the boundaries of a singular state, then state laws often apply to that case. Federal charges come into play when activities happen on federal lands, cross over state lines, international boundaries (e.g., at the border between Mexico and the U.S.), or include trafficking large quantities of controlled substances. Each state has its own set of laws, so there is the possibility that anyone arrested for a drug offense can be charged with a federal crime.

    A defendant can also be charged with a federal crime if they have a lengthy criminal history. If an offender is manufacturing, has the intent to distribute, or is trafficking a large quantity of drugs, in addition to having a criminal history, they could face federal charges.

    Being arrested by a federal officer is another way to be charged with a federal crime. This can occur when federal law enforcement collaborates with local police forces to conduct a sting operation, or if an offender is arrested in a national park for possessing drugs.

    Federal and state prosecutors can also work together on the prosecution of drug offenses, usually because the penalties for federal drug charges are more severe. A federal court can “adopt” a state case, resulting in a new one to be filed in the federal courts.

    Differences Between Federal and State Drug Charges

    If a person is charged at the federal level, the crime is considered more serious, and there are federal statutes that will impose mandatory minimum prison sentences. These sentences are typically much longer than those ordered at the state level. Additionally, all federal sentences are served at approximately 85% with good time credit.

    Federal charges also differ from those of the state when it comes to plea deals. When a federal defendant signs a plea agreement, the federal prosecutor will try to limit his or her appellate rights. There is also no parole available in the federal system. An offender does have the option within federal laws for home confinement or probation, but it is very rare.

    When you’re charged with a federal drug crime, depending on the facts of the case, you could also be hit with other charges. If you’re charged with drug trafficking, you could also be charged with:

    • Tax Evasion
    • Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense
    • Drug Conspiracy
    • Bulk Cash Smuggling
    • False statement to a federal officer
    • Failure to declare goods (at a border or port of entry)
    • Money Laundering
    • Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO)

    There are other possible crimes that one could face, depending on the facts of your case, and the prosecutor handling it who is making the charging decisions. The addition of any one of these crimes stacked on to a traditional “border bust” or other drug trafficking offense will result in significantly more prison exposure at sentencing.

    Criminal Penalties for Federal Drug Trafficking

    All defendants convicted of drug trafficking in federal court who are sentenced to imprisonment are sentenced under United States federal sentencing guidelines. The length of these prison sentences varies depending on the type and quantity of the drug or drugs involved in the offense.

    The Controlled Substance Act (CSA) separates drugs into five schedules based on their potential for abuse, medicinal properties, and other safety concerns. Schedule I drugs have the highest potential for abuse, so naturally, they carry the steepest penalties.

    The amount of the drug being trafficked also weighs on the sentencing guidelines as well as other factors including:

    • If the defendant has a prior conviction for a serious drug felony
    • If the defendant has a prior conviction for a violent felony
    • If a serious bodily injury occurs as a result of the drug trafficking offense
    • If death occurs as a result of the drug trafficking offense
    • A person under the age of 18 is involved in the drug operations
    • If there was a dangerous flight

    There are additional penalties that a defendant may face for a federal drug trafficking offense, including forfeiture of all assets related to the drug trafficking operation. This can include bank accounts, properties, or vehicles.

    For defendants that are not U.S. citizens, a drug-trafficking conviction will invariably result in removal or deportation from the U.S after the defendant’s sentence has been served.

    Defending Against Federal Prosecution

    In order to properly defend a federal drug charge, you need an experienced attorney that approaches your case with a multi-faceted approach and strategy. In order to mount an effective defense, there are several potential issues we will investigate (this is a non-exhaustive list, to be sure):

    • Faulty Analysis in the Crime Lab
    • Arrest without Probable Cause
    • Unlawful Searches and Seizures
    • Tampered or Lost Evidence
    • Paid Informants
    • Flawed Testimony
    • Planted Drugs
    • Entrapment
    • Willful Blindness
    • No Intent to Sell or Distribute Drugs

    You shouldn’t lose hope if you’ve been charged with a federal drug trafficking crime. A highly skilled defense attorney will work with you, and fight for you, producing the best possible outcome.

    Federal drug trafficking cases can result in an acquittal at trial, dismissal of charges (before or during trial), reduction of charges (also known as an alternative disposition), or the lowest possible sentence if a guilty verdict or plea is reached.

    Types of Drug Trafficking Charges and Related Offenses

    David Silldorf Law is experienced in working with all variety of drug-trafficking charges, including the possession, manufacturing, transportation, importation, possession with intent to distribute, and conspiracy to distribute:

    • Heroin
    • Marijuana
    • Ecstasy
    • Fentanyl
    • Methamphetamine
    • Cocaine
    • Opium
    • Prescription narcotics

    If you’ve been charged with a federal drug charge, you should contact our office immediately.

    Avoiding Pretrial Detention

    Our office always works hard to have bail set in our clients’ cases. It is, of course, easier to meet in our office to prepare for your matter than it is in the pre-trial detention facilities. Many of the federal defendants that are held in pre-trial custody are housed far away from the federal courthouse downtown.

    There are only two federal jails in downtown San Diego. The balance of federal pre-trial detainees is held in Otay Mesa, El Centro (in Imperial Valley), San Luis, Arizona, Santa Ana, Orange County, and even as far away as Victorville or San Bernardino.

    Needless to say, it’s much easier for us to defend your matter when a bond is posted. But rest assured, no matter where our clients are, we will fight with them side-by-side, every step of the way.

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      David Silldorf, Federal Defense Attorney in San Diego

      Federal drug trafficking is one of the most serious types of crimes that carries harsh penalties, including minimum-mandatory exposure (up to life in prison, in some cases). David Silldorf Law is ready to represent you in your case, fighting for justice on your behalf.

      If you’ve been arrested or are being investigated for a drug trafficking crime, you should not delay. Contact our law office today for a free consultation.

      David Silldorf has been designated by the Federal U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California as an experienced criminal practitioner qualified to handle appointments arising under the Criminal Justice Act. 

      The firm’s proximity to the international border has a strong influence on David’s caseload. He regularly represents individuals charged with drug trafficking and alien smuggling offenses and drug-related federal conspiracy cases, and other offenses involving firearms.

      Case Results

      noun Car 2389506

      United States v. an Individual

      [19-CR-02264-AJB]


      Importing 18.84 kilograms (41.53 pounds) of methamphetamine from Mexico into the U.S.

      DISMISSED

      noun drugs 225533

      United States v. an individual

      [possession of methamphetamine]

      Client was arrested by Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officers for possession of methamphetamine.

      NO CHARGES FILED

      noun Boat 3781097

      United States v. an individual

      [19-MJ-03140-MSB]

      Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (over 5 kilograms of cocaine) while onboard a vessel on the high seas.

      DISMISSED

      FREE CASE EVALUATION

      We’ll fight for you so you get the results you deserve.

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