4200 Wisconsin Ave NW, Suite 106-301, Washington, DC 20016
If you need Drug Crime help in District of Columbia, contact Shefferman Law, a local practice in Washington, for legal representation.
Free Consultation
2001 L St NW, Suite 902, Washington, DC 20036
Tully Rinckey PLLC has experience helping clients with their Drug Crime needs in Washington, District of Columbia.
Free Consultation
2200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20037
Other Nearby Offices
Rowe Weinstein & Sohn, PLLC has experience helping clients with their Drug Crime needs in Washington, District of Columbia.
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
1050 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Suite 65041, Washington, DC 20035
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
2050 M Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
1325 G Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20004
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 440, Washington, DC 20015
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
799 9th St NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20001
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
901 K Street, NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20001
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
1666 K St NW, Suite 1150, Washington, DC 20006
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
400 5th St NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC 20001
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
444 N. Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
101 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
1700 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1300 South, Washington, DC 20004
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
2001 K St NW, Suite 400 South, Washington, DC 20006
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
1825 Eye Street, NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20006
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
1050 K Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20001
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
1155 F St NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20004
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
600 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20037-1931
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
20 F Street NW, Suite 850, Washington, DC 20001
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
717 D Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20004
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
1776 K Street NW, Suite 737, Washington, DC 20006
Drug Crime Lawyers | Washington Office
101 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20001
Lead Counsel independently verifies Drug Crime attorneys in Washington and checks their standing with District of Columbia bar associations.
Our Verification Process and CriteriaDrug crimes are some of the most common crimes in the United States, ranging from (unlawful) possession of a controlled substance to large-scale drug trafficking and racketeering. Drug crime typically involves the possession, distribution, manufacture, cultivation, or illicit sale of recreational drugs, from morphine to heroin to cannabis.
Nearly any drug offense could see you end up in the federal system because these substances are all banned under federal law. If federal officers, such as those with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), are conducting operations in your area, an arrest by one of those officers would likely lead to federal charges. Using illegal drugs on federal property, such as national parks, can also lead to drug charges. While federal officials often target distributors and traffickers more than people possessing a small amount of drugs, the potential does still exist.
Drug crimes involve any actions related to the use of local, state or federally banned narcotics like heroin, cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine. Some common drug crimes include selling, distributing, consuming or possessing these substances. The illegal use of prescription drugs like oxycodone and Vicodin also falls under this category. For example, if police find you with oxycodone, but you do not have a prescription for it, you are likely to be arrested.
The most common drug crime in the U.S. is drug possession. Having one or more illegal drugs on one’s person constitutes the crime, whether an offender is under the influence of said drugs. Some states consider possession of small amounts of marijuana to be a petty offense or infraction if they prosecute it at all. This leniency in the face of increasingly common relaxation of laws regarding cannabis consumption does not apply to most other drugs scheduled by the federal government.
Drug possession with intent to distribute (or simply possession with intent to distribute) is a charge which straddles the gap between simple possession (of small amounts, personal amounts of a controlled substance) and drug trafficking (which involves the large-scale movement/dealing of illicit drugs). A “street dealer” moving moderate quantities of cocaine, crack, methamphetamine, etc. may be charged with drug possession with intent to distribute if a case can be made based on the evidence provided by law enforcement.
Drug trafficking is the highest order of drug offenses, at both the state and federal levels. Almost always classified as a felony, drug trafficking refers to conducting unlawful trade in controlled substances, generally involving great quantities of the drug(s) in question.
While simple possession of most scheduled drugs (particularly cannabis) results in, at most, misdemeanor charges — and typically, a drug diversion program or rehabilitation — possession with intent to distribute and drug trafficking are prosecuted more aggressively.
Those convicted of large-scale drug trafficking could see between 10 years to a life sentence if convicted. At the state level, drug trafficking charges typically range from three years to a life sentence, depending on the drug being moved and the quantity being transported. If death or serious injury results from the trafficking of these drugs or the demonstrable use of the drugs, penalties are almost always enhanced to 20 years to life.
Possession with intent to distribute is generally charged at the state level, and penalties vary based on the context of the crime as well as the jurisdiction laws of each state. In some states, possession of cannabis with intent to sell is classified as a third degree felony. If found guilty of these charges, offenders could face up to five years behind bars. If the substance in question is instead cocaine, the maximum sentence is increased to 15 years incarceration. A range of between one to five years is common for first-time offenders, with penalties increasing for repeat offenders or for more harshly scrutinized drugs.
You can be handed a probation requirement in response to a conviction for a drug-related crime or even as part of a potential plea deal. The likelihood that you receive probation as part of your sentence depends on the severity of the alleged offense and a variety of other factors, so it is vital to speak with an attorney to determine if you can reasonably expect to get probation. Regularly meeting with your probation officer, abstaining from drugs or with those who use drugs, and other conditions may be part of your probation.
If you are facing charges related to drugs or drug-related crime, you should seek the services of a skilled criminal defense attorney at your earliest opportunity. A conviction in response to a drug crime, even simple possession, can create a lifelong disadvantage in the form of a permanent criminal record.
Retaining proper legal counsel not only increases your chance of avoiding conviction, but in situations where the prosecution has a viable case, your attorney may be able to negotiate a lesser sentence in exchange for your cooperation. Together, you and your lawyer can craft the best defense possible in the event that you decide to proceed to trial, and if not, your lawyer can help to guide you through every option available to you.
No matter what your legal issue may be, it is always best to seek legal help early in the process. An attorney can help secure what is likely to be the best possible outcome for your situation and avoid both unnecessary complications or errors.
Prepare for your consultation by writing down notes of your understanding of the case, jot down questions and concerns for the attorney, and gather your documents. Remember that you are trying to get a sense of whether the attorney has your trust and can help you address your legal issues. Questions should include how the attorney intends to resolve your issue, how many years he/she has been practicing law and specifically practicing in your area, as well as how many cases similar to yours the attorney has handled. It can also be helpful to broach the subject of fees so that you understand the likely cost and structure of your representation by a specific attorney and/or legal team.
Personal jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority over a person, in order to bind that person to the judgment of the court, based on minimum contacts. International Shoe Co v. Washington is a landmark Supreme Court case outlining the scope of a state court’s reach in personal jurisdiction.