New Mexico Federal Drug Charges Lawyer

New Mexico Federal Drug Charges Attorney

Facing criminal charges of any kind can be complex, overwhelming, and harrowing. You should do whatever you can to ensure a fair trial and the right to stand up for yourself. The situation can get even more difficult when the charges become federal. It’s okay if you don’t know what to do next or how to handle your case. That’s why you should reach out to a New Mexico federal drug charges lawyer. They know what to do next and how to protect you.

The legal team at King Law Firm understands how difficult it can be to face federal charges. Federal drug crimes are taken very seriously in New Mexico. You’ll want the services of a seasoned New Mexico federal drug charges attorney, especially one who recognizes how significant the federal drug charge penalties can be for you if you’re convicted. Hiring a New Mexico federal criminal defense lawyer can mean the difference between winning and losing your case.

Important Factors of a Federal Drug Charge

The penalties you could end up facing for a federal drug crime in New Mexico will depend on several significant factors, many of which may be unique to your specific case. Federal drug charges are generally governed by the federal Controlled Substances Act, which describes the various schedules that controlled substances have been sorted into. The higher the schedule, the higher the penalty. Here are some of the other important factors to know:

• Jurisdiction: For a drug charge to be considered federal, it must involve certain federal interests. These include:
  • Crossing state lines through trafficking
  • Occurring on federal property
  • Being led by a federal agency like the FBI, ATF, or DEA
  • The use of interstate commerce, like the internet or the mail
    According to data from the NM-IBIS, in 2023, New Mexico had the seventh-highest drug overdose death rate in the country.
• Quantity and type: Arguably, the most significant factors that will determine the penalties you could face are the quantity of the drug in your possession and its type. A larger quantity generally means a harsher sentence, as that could be seen as intent to distribute. In 2024, according to data from the United States Sentencing Commission, drug crimes accounted for over 11% of all sentences in the state, with many of them being federal cases.
• Criminal history: Any of your possible prior convictions will likely be counted against you when facing federal charges, especially if those prior convictions were for drug crimes. It doesn’t matter if that conviction was for a state-level crime or a federal one. It demonstrates a criminal past, and you could face worse punishments than you would if you were a first-time offender.
• Your involvement: Federal agencies are not going to automatically assume everyone facing federal drug charges is some kind of kingpin. Every role in a federally charged drug operation will be treated differently, and your penalties will hinge on what your role in it was. If your contribution was minor, you may qualify for a reduction of your sentence if you cooperate with the investigation.
• Use of a weapon: If you used a weapon during the alleged drug offense, you could end up triggering a mandatory minimum sentence. Mandatory minimums in drug cases tend to start at a couple of decades or even life in prison, depending on the charge itself.

FAQs

What Makes a Drug Charge a Federal Offense?

Many important factors can make a drug charge a federal offense. Ultimately, it becomes of interest to federal agencies when it violates United States federal law and not just state law. This can happen when a drug operation:

• Crosses state lines.
• Involves large quantities of drugs.
• Uses the postal service or the internet.
• Is part of a larger criminal conspiracy.
• Involves an operation on federal land.

What Are the Drug Laws in New Mexico?

The drug laws in New Mexico have changed significantly in recent years. In 2021, the Cannabis Regulation Act was signed into law, effectively legalizing cannabis for recreational use and cultivation for adults at least 21 years old. The possession, manufacture, or distribution of any other controlled substances in the state is highly illegal, and it could result in federal charges if certain conditions are met.

What Is the Zero-Tolerance Law in New Mexico?

New Mexico’s zero-tolerance law is not technically a law. Rather, it’s an unofficial guideline that is generally followed throughout the state. It refers to a strict, no-amount policy for certain occupations that are safety-sensitive and require focus. It also establishes a total prohibition against driving under the influence of any drug, including alcohol. Under the state’s implied consent laws, you must submit to chemical tests if you are pulled over.

Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Yes, you should hire a criminal defense lawyer. You don’t want to take any unnecessary chances when you are looking at federal charges. If you don’t bring an experienced legal professional into this, you could end up facing the prosecution alone. If that happens, you are probably going to lose. Hire a lawyer, and let them build a strong defense so you at least have a chance of achieving a good outcome.

Hire a Federal Drug Charges Lawyer Today

When you are facing severe legal penalties if convicted, the most important choice you can make for yourself is to hire a federal drug charges lawyer. A good lawyer can reach a satisfactory conclusion to your situation while providing you with consistent advice. Ian Fitzgerald King has spent two decades representing clients with state and federal charges alike. He’s been ranked among the top criminal defense lawyers in the nation. He can help you.

At King Law Firm, we know the most effective and promising ways to support your case, advocate for you, and challenge the charges you’re facing. Our firm can build up your case, collect evidence, and prevent you from being taken advantage of by federal agencies. Contact us to speak to a valued member of our team about everything we can do for you.