Federal Drug Charges Attorney in St. Louis, Missouri

The federal government aggressively prosecutes individuals facing drug charges. If you have been charged with a federal drug crime or are under investigation by federal authorities, you should contact a skilled attorney to help you navigate through the legal system during this difficult time in your life. At Eisenhauer Law, we understand the serious nature and potentially life-altering consequences of federal drug prosecution.  

Our federal drug charges attorney in St. Louis, Missouri, is committed to fighting vigorously for your rights and freedom. Our job is to develop and present your defense as effectively as the facts of your case and the law will allow. As a native Missourian, Phil Eisenhauer serves clients throughout St. Louis County, Jefferson County, and St. Charles County, so if you’re in the area, reach out today for support. 

What Qualifies as a Federal Drug Crime?  

Drug crimes can be prosecuted at the state or federal level in the United States. A drug crime typically becomes a federal charge when it violates the county’s federal laws and regulations or the offense crosses state lines. A person is likely to face federal drug charges when the alleged offense does any of the following:  

• crosses state lines 

• involves transportation of drugs through FedEx, USPS, UPS, and other mail couriers 

• takes place on federal property 

• is under investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) or another federal law enforcement agency 

• is related to a criminal enterprise or organized crime 

• involves the sale or distribution of drugs in large quantities 

• involves other offenses such as money laundering and firearm-related crimes 

The quantity of the drug in question may also affect whether you face state or federal charges. While states often handle cases involving small amounts of drugs, federal authorities may get involved when there are larger quantities of drugs. Sometimes, cases start in state courts but as the investigation unfolds, they can be transferred over to the federal court, resulting in harsher penalties for the defendant.  

Controlled Substances & Schedules

A controlled substance is a narcotic or non-narcotic drug with a recognized potential for abuse. Substances are classified into five distinct groups, known as “schedules” based on the potential for abuse and the accepted medical use, if any. The classification system is also used to determine how severe the punishment should be.  

Controlled substances classified as Schedule I drugs have no accepted medical use and a high abuse risk. Schedule II drugs have a high abuse risk but some accepted medical use. Schedule II through Schedule V have a moderate to low potential for abuse and accepted medical use.  

Examples of controlled substances in each schedule include:  

• Schedule I: Marijuana, LSD, heroin, methaqualone, and ecstasy 

• Schedule II: Fentanyl, methadone, oxycodone, meperidine, and others 

• Schedule III: Codeine, anabolic steroids, ketamine, buprenorphine, and others 

• Schedule IV: Alprazolam, clonazepam, lorazepam, carisoprodol, and others 

• Schedule V: Over-the-counter medicine containing codeine 

If you have been arrested or are being investigated by federal authorities in relation to criminal charges related to any controlled substance, regardless of its classification, contact our federal drugs charges attorney in St. Louis, Missouri, right away. At Eisenhauer Law, we can help you navigate through the criminal justice system to fight for a favorable outcome. Every case is unique, which is why you might want to seek legal counsel to know how to best approach the charges in your particular situation.   

Possible Penalties

State drug charges generally carry much lighter penalties compared to federal drug charges. In fact, federal law often requires a mandatory minimum prison sentence for those convicted of drug crimes at the federal level. Possible penalties vary from one case to another and depend on the following factors: 

• the type and schedule of the drug 

• the amount of the drug in weight (this factor alone can elevate a simple possession charge to possession with intent to distribute or even drug trafficking) 

• whether the defendant has any previous convictions for drug crimes 

• whether a firearm was used in the commission of the offense 

• the proximity to a school or playground at the time of the offense 

In addition to imposing a mandatory minimum sentence, courts use Federal Sentencing Guidelines when determining the appropriate punishment for individuals convicted of federal crimes. These guidelines provide recommended punishment “ranges.” Judges must consider any mitigating factors in the defendant’s case to determine the appropriate sentence within the range.  

Our criminal defense attorney understands the high stakes involved when facing federal drug charges. We are committed to providing every client we represent with compassionate and tenacious legal advocacy. We are here to protect your rights and provide a vigorous legal defense.