If you face drug charges at the federal level, it is pivotal to have a clear understanding of how these allegations could impact your future. Whether your case involves manufacturing, distributing, transporting or possessing unlawful substances, the potential consequences could become much higher if federal charges surface.
Many people find themselves in this position, and it is helpful to go over data on these offenses.
Statistics on drug cases at the federal level
The U.S. Sentencing Commission reports that over the course of fiscal year 2020, they received reports of over 16,800 federal drug offenses. In fact, federal offenses involving drugs represented the second most frequent type of federal offense during fiscal year 2020. During this period, 45.7% of federal drug offenses involved methamphetamine, followed by powder cocaine (16.5%), heroin (11.5%), crack cocaine (7.4%) and marijuana (7%).
A majority of these cases involved selling, transporting or manufacturing unlawful substances. However, more than 400 involved the possession of illegal drugs.
The impact of a federal drug case
If you face drug charges at the federal level, it is pivotal to recognize how these accusations could shatter your life. For starters, you could face significant financial penalties and years behind bars. With so much at stake, these allegations can generate intense emotions such as depression and anxiety, and you should make sure these emotions do not interfere with your ability to protect your future.
On top of court-imposed penalties, drug charges could derail your career and your record could cause serious problems in the future. If you face federal drug charges, examine the details of your case thoroughly.