Federal Drug Charges

Federal Drug Charges in Texas
Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney San Antonio

In Texas, a drug charges can fall under the state or federal court system. Whether the accused is prosecuted in the federal or state criminal court depends on many factors including which laws were violated, and what part of the state the arrest took place. The federal authorities step in under different circumstances depending on what part of Texas you are in. If the federal prosecutors step in, the drug case becomes more serious for the accused. Most federal drug charges involve:

• stiffer sentencing guidelines which are quite harsh in drug cases, and
• various mandatory minimum sentences which are dependent upon the amount of drugs involved.

Not all criminal defense lawyers handle Federal Drug charges. If accused of a federal drug charge, it is crucial to contact an attorney who understands the federal criminal system and has long experience in federal court. Attorney Anthony B. Cantrell is on the A+ Panel of Attorneys in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas , which consists of only the most experienced criminal lawyers in the Western District. Anthony is also licensed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas.

The State of Texas has drug laws that are similar the federal drug laws, but the penalties can be less severe and more flexible in state court than under in federal court. A conviction of simple possession, for example may receive a sentence under state law of drug treatment rather than jail time, and probation may be available to first-time offenders for even the more serious crimes. Texas criminal defense attorney Anthony Cantrell is experienced with drug charges can explain the differences between the state and federal court systems.

Your rights can be protected in federal court. You need a qualified attorney that can handle a trial in the federal court system. The Constitution requires that every person receive due process of law before his or her life or her life, liberty, or property can be taken. The Due Process Clause is the basis for the requirement that crimes be clearly defined and that the government must prove every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. A qualified defense attorney will fight every point that the government makes against you. The Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures keeps illegally seized evidence out of the criminal trial. Defense attorney Anthony Cantrell will examine every element of the initial search and seizure to uncover any violations or your rights that can lead to an acquittal. He will aggressively fight to make sure your rights are protected through out the entire judicial process. The Fifth Amendment's bar on self-incrimination gives the accused the right to remain silent and to choose not to take the stand in their own defense. The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to an attorney who is allowed to be present at all stages of the criminal proceeding, including during an initial police interview. Do not say anything until you have an attorney present! The stakes are too high in a federal case for you to make any mistakes. Make sure your lawyer is present before you speak to anyone about the alleged offense.

Federal prosecutors aggressively pursue individuals with federal drug charges. But prosecutors do not hold all of the cards. An experienced and skillful defense attorney knows the prosecutors tricks. Don’t be intimidated. Protect your rights. Contact board certified criminal defense attorney Anthony Cantrell today. We offer:

• Certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Criminal Law
• Proven track record of successes
• Emergency hearings and bail bond service 24 hours a day - 7 days a week
• Free initial consultations
• Affordable fees in writing
• Personal care and attention by an experienced Texas lawyer

Protect your rights. Contact our office as soon as possible and let us start to aggressively fight for you today.