

In the age of the internet, drug trafficking itself, as well as laundering the profits made in the drug trade, have changed. Today, illicit drugs are routinely bought and sold using the “Dark Web” and the profits laundered using cryptocurrencies. As government agencies become more aware of how the drug trafficking on the internet works and start “Taking on the Dark Web,” more people are coming under scrutiny.
If you believe you are being investigated for an internet drug crime or have already been charged with one, you could be facing very serious consequences. You need an experienced federal defense attorney on your side to ensure that your rights are protected.
At Haas Law, we have a thorough understanding of federal internet drug laws, as well as extensive experience defending clients accused of violating those laws and money laundering laws. If you are the target of an internet drug crime investigation or have been charged with one of these crimes, we will put our experience, skill and resources to work protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome.
Federal Internet Drug Crimes
The internet has effectively removed international borders when it comes to commerce. That includes the illicit drug trade. The Tor network (short for “The Onion Router”), which operates on the fringe of the internet, provides the underlying technology for the sale of drugs on the “dark web,” while cryptocurrencies allow the money involved in those transactions to move around the world virtually untraceable.
In response to these changes to the illicit drug trade, the United States government enacted or modified several laws that make it illegal to:
- Negotiate, purchase, or ship illicit “street” drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine.
- Facilitate the illegal prescription sales and shipment of controlled substances (narcotics, amphetamines, GHB (Rohypnol) and anabolic steroids) directly to buyers without a medical exam by a physician as required by U.S. law.
- Commit fraud by shipping counterfeit or fake drugs ordered over the internet.
- Market prescription drugs in violation of U.S. law, such as marketing steroids for animals but selling them to humans.
- Engage in money laundering as part of a narcotics trafficking operation.
- Conspire with anyone to commit any of these crimes
How Can a Federal Internet Drug Charges Attorney Help?
Federal internet drug offenses carry serious penalties for those who are convicted. If you are convicted of a federal internet drug trafficking crime, for example, you could face up to life in prison and/or a substantial fine. A conviction for money laundering related to the internet drug trade carries with it a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and/or a hefty fine.
If you believe you are the target of a federal investigation, the sooner you involve an attorney the better your odds are of not being arrested or convicted. An attorney who is familiar with federal procedures will be able to advocate effectively for you to help prevent your being charged. If you are ultimately charged with a crime, your attorney will be fully prepared to ensure that your rights are protected and a strong defense is possible.
If you have already been arrested and charged, it is highly likely that you were part of a lengthy and thorough federal investigation. In that case, consulting with an experienced federal defense attorney immediately is imperative to protecting your rights and preserving any defenses available to you as a defendant in an internet drug crime prosecution. An experienced federal defense attorney can:
- Assert your right to remain silent to prevent anything you say from being misconstrued or used against you.
- Serve as your voice and advocate with federal law enforcement authorities and prosecutors.
- Protect your constitutional rights throughout the prosecution of your case.
- Attempt to effectuate your release from custody while your case is pending.
- Review the evidence against you to determine if it was legally obtained.
- Challenge the introduction of any evidence at trial that was obtained illegally.
- Conduct independent testing on evidence.
- Investigate and question witnesses the government plans to use against you.
- Secure expert witnesses to testify on your behalf at trial.
- Negotiate the terms of any deal that requires you to “cooperate” with the government.
- Negotiate the terms of a plea agreement, if it is in your best interest.
- Defend you at trial, if you decide a trial is in your best interest.
- Advocate for leniency if you are convicted and sentenced.
Get Help from an Experienced Federal Defense Attorney to Fight Internet Drug Charges
If you have reason to believe that you are under investigation for, or have already been charged with, an internet drug crime by the federal government it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced federal defense attorney right away. Attorney David Haas has years of experience in state and federal court, including close to 10 years as a federal prosecutor. He understands the complex nature of federal internet drug laws and has extensive experience successfully defending people accused of violating federal drug trafficking laws.
At Haas Law, we have the skills and commitment necessary to protect you, your rights, and your freedom. Get the help you need at this crucial time.
Call us at 407-755-7675, chat with us online, or submit our online form today. Because we understand that time is of the essence when federal law enforcement authorities are investigating you, our calls are answered 24 hours a day, allowing you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.