Drug Offenses
Many times people become subject to narcotics investigations or become involved because they have a substance abuse problem of some nature. Sometimes people become the focus of such investigation because drugs are an easy way to make money. Drug cases are difficult because society condemns drug dealers, and to some extent, drug users. When a drug investigations becomes a Federal Investigation, the sentences upon conviction can be very long. Drug investigations must, therefore, be extensive not only as to whether one is guilty but also, if he is, how his sentence might be lessened. What follows are some examples of the harsh Federal Penalties:
Sentenced to a term of imprisonment which may not be less than 10 years, or more than life; unless death or serious bodily injury result from the use of the substance, then the sentence may not be less than 20 years or more than life
A fine not to exceed $4,000,000 if the Defendant is an individual or $10,000,000 if the Defendant is other than an individual or both.
If a person has been convicted of a prior conviction for a felony drug offense said person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment which may not be less than 20 years and not more than life imprisonment; and if death or serious bodily injury results, Defendnat shall be sentenced to life imprisonment, a fine not to exceed $8,000,000 for an individual or $20,000,000 if the Defendant is other than an individual or both.
If a person has two or more prior convictions for a felony drug offense the sentence shall be a mandatory term of life imprisonment without release and fined in accordance with the preceding sentence.