Federal Drug Possession Defense Attorney in Cameron County
Janie Jaimez, Attorney at Law
A federal drug possession charge is not the same as a trafficking or distribution charge, but it's still prosecuted in federal court, under federal sentencing rules, and it still deserves a serious defense. Janie reviews how the stop or search that led to the charge was conducted before deciding on a strategy. Se habla español. Call 956-793-5033.
What Counts as Federal Drug Possession
Simple drug possession is charged federally when someone is found with a controlled substance, without evidence the government believes supports a distribution or trafficking charge. It's a different charge than trafficking in a key way: the government isn't trying to prove intent to distribute or a specific quantity threshold, only that the substance was knowingly possessed. That doesn't make it a minor charge; it's still a federal conviction with real consequences.
Penalties for Federal Drug Possession
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A first-offense federal possession charge is generally treated less severely than a trafficking charge, but a conviction still carries jail time and a fine
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Prior drug convictions increase both the potential sentence and the fine
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A federal conviction, even for possession, can carry immigration consequences separate from the criminal sentence
What Janie Reviews in Every Federal Drug Possession Case
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How the stop, search, or surveillance that led to the charge was conducted
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Whether the substance was lawfully seized and properly tested
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Whether the government can prove knowing possession, not just presence
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Whether the case was actually charged correctly as possession, not something more serious
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Options for resolving the charge short of the maximum exposure
Frequently Asked Questions
Is federal drug possession the same as trafficking?
No. Trafficking requires the government to show intent to distribute or a quantity threshold. Simple possession does not, and the two are treated very differently.
Yes. Prior drug convictions increase the sentencing exposure. Every case still depends on its specific facts.
Is a first-time possession charge treated differently than a repeat offense?
29 Avalon Dr, Brownsville, TX 78520
(281) 779-4053
Serving the Rio Grande Valley