Numerous factors dictate how much of your life a drug charge affects, but one stands out – whether the charge will be brought in a state or federal court.
A federal drug charge is considered a more severe offense. But the severity of consequences isn’t the only difference between state and federal drug crimes. There are several key disparities between the two charges that concern everything from the arresting officer to the criminal defense lawyer you should hire.
1. The Nature of Charges
Suppose you’re arrested while using or possessing drugs (or “controlled substances,” as they’re referred to by law) within state borders. In that case, you’ll likely be charged with a state drug crime. However, there are some exceptions to this.
The location of your arrest won’t matter if you’re found to possess a large amount of the controlled substance or are tied to a large-scale criminal operation. Also, a federal criminal charge will be brought if the possession or use occurred on federal property within the state.
But when will a federal charge be brought by default?
You can expect a federal charge immediately if you’re caught transporting drugs through multiple states in the U.S. or to another country. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that trafficking is the most common federal drug crime in the U.S. Other common federal crimes of this nature include the following:
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Cultivation or manufacture (growing marijuana, making meth, processing cocaine, etc.).
- Continuing criminal enterprise (a large-scale drug operation)
2. The Arresting Officer
If you’re arrested by local police, the arresting officer will play no role in whether you’ll be charged with state or federal drug crimes. But being arrested by a federal officer is a one-way ticket to a federal charge.
A few factors can lead to the latter scenario. You might be using drugs on federal property (for example, smoking marijuana at a national park). Or, you can get picked up by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as part of a more elaborate investigation. Whatever the case, you shouldn’t expect a lenient punishment, as the federal criminal system is notorious for the severity of its sentences.
3. The Court Systems
Another key difference between state and federal drug crimes is the court system where your case will be tried.
Get charged with a state drug crime, and your case will be decided in a state court. These courts have the jurisdiction to charge any drug crimes that occur within the state. But whether they will see a case through depends on several factors (the type and the amount of the controlled substance, the nature of the activity, etc.)
As for federal courts, they have jurisdiction over crimes that occur on federal property. They also preside over cases where a federal agency is involved in criminal conduct or the controlled substances are trafficked across state lines. Naturally, when a case is decided in a federal court, federal criminal procedural rules apply.
4. The Severity of Penalties
The severity of penalties is arguably the most notable difference between state and federal drug crimes.
Federal courts tend to issue harsher penalties and longer jail sentences. This primarily has to do with the mandatory minimum sentences (a minimum sentence for anyone convicted of a federal drug crime) federal judges must impose.
For instance, a mandatory minimum sentence for a federal drug offense resulting in death or serious injury is 20 years, while the maximum is life in prison. On the other hand, trafficking 100 grams of a Schedule I controlled substance comes with a five-year minimum sentence.
Another thing to note is that federal prosecutors are more likely to secure a conviction. This usually stems from federal law enforcement officers having more resources, allowing them to go after the alleged perpetrator with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
5. The Choice of Lawyer
This difference might come after the fact, but it’s still crucial to handling your case. If you get charged with a federal drug crime, you should retain a lawyer experienced in federal criminal defense. This is the only way to get a shot at justice and secure the most favorable outcome possible.
For a thorough understanding of the federal system, courtroom dynamics, and potential avenues for challenging the prosecution’s case, it’s essential to consult with a specialist. Learn more about criminal lawyers.
Understanding the Legal Battle Ahead
A drug charge should be taken seriously regardless of the circumstances. However, it’s only natural to fear a federal drug charge more, considering the severity of possible penalties. Understanding the key differences between state and federal drug crimes allows you to take appropriate actions to protect your rights and mount a strong defense for your case.
