You have been arrested and charged with drug trafficking. You argue that you never transported the drugs, so you should be innocent. The police in your community may not listen to you-instead they bring in federal law enforcement.
Now, you may be pretty worried. Even if the federal law enforcement officer may want to talk to you, refuse to do so.
Even if you didn’t commit the crime, you may be charged
You may learn that, even if you had nothing to do with moving the drugs, the fact that you were helping your friends to do so may mean you face federal charges.
As federal crime cases move along, defendants may feel more and more pressure to speak to the officer. This may be your situation now. Learning how to protect yourself when you are facing federal charges may help you in the long run.
Elements a federal court may consider
Simply being involved in planning to transport illicit drugs may mean that you face federal charges. Even if your plan was never carried out, you may be still charged with conspiracy.
Three elements have to be met for you to be convicted of a federal crime.
Agreement means that you planned to take drugs to another location. Intent means that you and your partners intended to agree to transport the drugs. Finally, an “overt act” has to take place. This may involve one person renting a moving truck to move the drugs.
What are the penalties for a federal conspiracy conviction?
A conviction for federal conspiracy may mean that you may spend up to five years in prison. You may also have to pay a fine. You may also be convicted of the misdemeanor of conspiring to transport drugs. This penalty cannot be longer than Louisiana’s maximum penalty for that crime.