Practice Areas
Federal Drug Conspiracy Defense
Federal drug conspiracy charges sweep broadly. A person can be charged based on an agreement and the conduct of others, and the alleged drug quantity can trigger mandatory minimum sentences. Quantity, knowledge, and the scope of any agreement are central battlegrounds.
How conspiracy works
Conspiracy requires an agreement to commit a drug offense and knowing participation in it. The government does not have to prove the plan succeeded, and a defendant can be held responsible for foreseeable acts of co-conspirators - which makes defining the scope of the alleged agreement critical.
- Agreement to violate federal drug laws
- Knowing and voluntary participation
- Drug type and quantity attributable to you
- Role in the offense and relevant conduct
Mandatory minimums and quantity
Sentences are heavily driven by drug type and quantity, with statutory mandatory minimums for certain thresholds. Contesting the quantity attributable to a particular client, and their actual role, can change the sentencing picture substantially.
Defenses and safety-valve relief
Defenses include challenging the existence or scope of the agreement, the reliability of informants, and unlawful searches. For some defendants, statutory safety-valve relief can allow a sentence below a mandatory minimum where the criteria are met.
Prior results and recognitions do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
General information about drug conspiracy. It is not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts.
Can I be convicted if I never handled drugs?
What are mandatory minimums?
What is the safety valve?
Facing a federal investigation or serious charges?
Speak directly with George G. Mgdesyan about your situation. Consultations are confidential, and the sooner you call, the more can often be done.