Federal drug charges are distribution, manufacturing and possession with intent to distribute in Springfield, Missouri. The general statutory maximum for federal drug offenses is about 20 years. Depending on the circumstances, there are mandatory five and ten years associated with the charges.

Five year mandatory

Federal Offenses with lower quantities of drugs tend to carry a mandatory 5 to 40 years. People who have prior offenses tend to get more prison time. Lower quantities include 1 gram or more of LSD, 5 grams or more of meth and 10 grams or more of PCP. Lower quantities include 28 grams or more of crack, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of meth mixtures. Lower quantities include 100 grams or more of heroin and 500 grams or more of cocaine. The five-year minimum for marijuana is 100 kilograms or more, and 100 marijuana plants are equal to 100 kilograms.

Ten year mandatory

Federal charges with higher quantities of drugs have a mandatory 10-year sentence. Higher quantities include 10 grams or more of LSD, 50 grams or more of meth and 100 grams of PCP. Higher quantities include 280 grams or more of crack, 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of meth mixtures. Higher quantities include 1 kilogram or more of heroin and 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. Higher quantities of marijuana include 1,000 kilograms or more and 1,000 plants or more.

Circumstances of federal drug charges

There are higher minimum mandatory federal charges for violators 20 years or younger. Anytime a serious injury or death occurs from drug use, the seller can get a mandatory 20-year minimum. There’s a 4 year maximum for acquiring drugs through misrepresentation. If a person uses a phone to organize a drug deal, it’s a four-year maximum per phone call. If a person has fewer grams than the federal five-year minimum, the charge is a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors have a one-year sentence.

Federal drug charges have guidelines in the law but depend on the situation and people involved. Members helping with the narcotics in a drug enterprise can get five or more years. The leader of the group can get a 20-year minimum sentence under federal law. It’s a mandatory 20-year sentence for owning, renting, leasing or maintaining drug premises. Using the mail to sell drugs has a five-year mandatory sentence.