Since the War on Drugs began decades ago, a variety of legal and illegal substances have taken center stage as the targets of that war. In recent years, methamphetamine use has increased significantly, making it a focus of state and federal law enforcement agencies. According to the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), approximately 1.6 million people reported using methamphetamine in the past year, and 774,000 reported using it in the past month. If you have been charged with methamphetamine distribution at the federal level, you face serious penalties if convicted.
At Haas Law, we understand what is at stake when a client is facing federal methamphetamine distribution charges. Moreover, we have the experience and commitment needed to protect your rights and successfully defend you in federal court.
The Rise of Methamphetamine
Although drugs such as cocaine and heroin remain popular in the United States, methamphetamine use has increased sharply in recent years. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Mexican drug trafficking organizations have become the primary manufacturers and distributors of methamphetamine to cities throughout the U.S.; however, it is also manufactured and distributed within the U.S. as well.
Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II stimulant under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it has a high potential for abuse but also has a currently accepted medical use. The only legal meth product, Desoxyn, is sparingly prescribed for the treatment of obesity and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Potential Punishment for a Methamphetamine Distribution Conviction
At the federal level, the distribution of a controlled substance is governed by 21 USC §841(a) which makes it unlawful for any person knowingly or intentionally:
(1) to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a controlled substance; or
(2) to create, distribute, or dispense, or possess with intent to distribute or dispense, a counterfeit substance.
The potential penalties you face for a violation of 21 USC §841(a) depends on several factors, including the type and quantity of controlled substance involved. For a methamphetamine distribution conviction, the potential penalties are as follows:
- 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, and salts of its isomers or (2) 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers the term of imprisonment may not be less than:
- 10 years or more than life.
- If death or serious bodily injury results from the use of such substance shall be not less than 20 years or more than life.
- And/or a fine of up to $10,000,000 if the defendant is an individual, or $50,000,000 if the defendant is other than an individual.
- 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, and salts of its isomers or 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, its salts, isomers, or salts of its isomers the term of imprisonment may not be less than:
- 5 years and not more than 40 years.
- If death or serious bodily injury results from the use of such substance shall be not less than 20 years or more than life.
- And/or a fine of up to $5,000,000 if the defendant is an individual or $25,000,000 if the defendant is other than an individual.
Get Help from Experienced Orlando Methamphetamine Distribution Defense Attorney
If you were recently charged with distribution of methamphetamine, or you believe you are the target of a federal criminal investigation involving methamphetamine distribution, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately.
At Haas Law, our methamphetamine distribution defense attorneys will aggressively work to protect your rights and defend the charges against you. The government has almost unlimited resources at its disposal that can be used to investigate and prosecute you. We have the experience and resources necessary to protect and defend you against the accusations made by the U.S. government.
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.