Lawyers Defending Drug Conspiracy Charges in Madison, WI
Fighting for Favorable Outcomes in the Most Serious Drug Cases
Individuals charged with drug conspiracy face the possibility of being convicted and receiving what is known as “mandatory sentences.” Mandatory sentencing means that if the defendant is convicted, they must be sentenced to prison rather than being allowed to serve probation or participate in a diversion program. A drug conspiracy charge is a complex legal issue that requires the assistance of an experienced lawyer. The potential consequences are too severe not to work with lawyers defending drug conspiracy charges in Madison, WI.
At Casper Mehlos Law Group, our dedicated team of legal professionals knows what you’re up against. Often, law enforcement and prosecutors are overzealous and wrongly charge defendants with drug conspiracy when there is no conclusive evidence to support the charge. In some cases, they may try to convince a jury that you’re guilty of such charges, but in many cases, these charges are nothing more than a tool they use during plea negotiations.
If you have been charged with drug conspiracy, contact our law firm today. Our Madison, WI drug conspiracy attorneys will review your case and help you understand all your options. And since we offer free consultations, you have nothing to lose by reaching out. A qualified legal team member will gladly answer your questions and advise you of your legal options.
What Is the Legal Definition of Drug Conspiracy?
Drug conspiracy is a complicated legal issue and can often be difficult to comprehend. A drug conspiracy charge can be brought against multiple individuals if they have agreed to commit a drug crime. Under Wisconsin law, a defendant can be convicted of drug conspiracy if they intended to carry out their part of the crime even if the others did not.
However, in drug conspiracy cases, everyone involved in the plan shares the same amount of accountability for the crime, regardless of how much they participated. For this reason, every individual involved in the drug conspiracy can receive a lengthy prison sentence even if they did not play a significant role.
Drug conspiracy charges can come at the state or federal level. Unfortunately, actions that constitute the crime can vary based on differences between laws on the state and national level. Even worse for those facing such charges, this is considered one of the most serious drug offenses under the law. And if you’ve been convicted of prior drug sales or related charges, potential penalties can increase significantly.
If you still have questions about what constitutes drug conspiracy, contact Casper Mehlos Law Group, so we may answer them. Our dedicated legal team knows you’re going through a stressful time. Being charged with any criminal act is a terrifying ordeal. So we’ll work hard to put your mind at ease.
Are There Different Types of Drug Conspiracies?
The United States has laws that apply to four types of drug crimes that can result in an individual being charged with drug conspiracy. Either the state or federal government can bring charges related to these criminal offenses. They’ll need key evidence to prove your participation in the criminal conspiracy, but if they suspect that you’ve committed a crime in the following categories, they’re likely to come at you with everything they’ve got:
- Manufacturing of a controlled substance: An individual may be charged with manufacturing a controlled substance if they had any part in the operation by which the drug was prepared or processed.
- Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute: If the prosecution can prove that an individual had drugs in their possession and intended to distribute them for profit, that person could be charged with drug conspiracy. The state often has additional evidence to support its claim that the defendant and others in the group intended to sell the drugs. Additional evidence may include large quantities of drugs, scales, or a substantial amount of cash.
- Distributing a controlled substance: The charge of distributing a controlled substance can be brought against a group member if they delivered or sold illegal drugs to another individual. However, money does not necessarily have to be exchanged for this charge to be brought. Simply exchanging the drugs with the other person is sufficient to be charged with distributing a controlled substance.
- Importing controlled substances: If an individual is part of a drug conspiracy to bring illegal drugs across the border, they will be charged in federal court. The criminal penalties for federal drug conspiracy are steep, and typically, the defendant is sentenced to years in prison if convicted.
Simple possession is often seen as a straightforward crime involving a person possessing an illegal substance. However, a conspiracy charge is much more complex. Prosecutors typically need to identify co-conspirators, find sufficient evidence that a crime occurred, and show that you took part in it. While this may seem like a simple, three-step process, the act of prosecuting actual crimes can be difficult. We may be able to use this fact to have charges reduced or dropped altogether.
And if this isn’t possible, we’re not afraid to take on the prosecution at trial. Contact our law firm today to schedule your free consultation. We’re here to assist.
What if You’re Facing Federal Drug Conspiracy Charges?
Any drug crime a person is charged with has the potential for serious penalties. A mandatory minimum could spell disaster for an individual – likely affecting the trajectory of their entire life. Unfortunately, it turns out that things can get worse. There are various elements that could turn a run-of-the-mill drug charge into a federal case. If you’re facing federal drug conspiracy charges, it’s critical to work with an experienced legal professional.
Put simply, federal law enforcement agencies don’t bring charges unless they’re confident in their case. The scariest part is that federal sentencing guidelines can be far more severe than state penalties. In fact, some federal drug laws allow for life imprisonment. However, a federal prosecutor may use the same tactics as District Attorneys in our state. This includes overcharging to either secure heightened sentences or a better position of negotiation in plea deals.
You should never take on the system alone when facing criminal charges, but when federal laws are involved, doing so is absolute insanity. At Casper Mehlos Law Group, our drug conspiracy lawyers in Madison, WI are here to help. Our experienced team handles cases ranging from a run-of-the-mill drug deal to federal trafficking and drug conspiracy charges. You need a dedicated advocate on your side, and that’s exactly what we offer. Schedule your free consultation today.
What Are the Criminal Penalties If Convicted of Drug Conspiracy?
The criminal penalties for drug conspiracy vary greatly depending on the type of charge and the number of drugs involved. Additionally, the penalties increase substantially if the defendant has a prior criminal record, especially drug-related convictions. This is a bit scary, because even being caught with a marijuana plant in your youth could be enough to justify heightened charges due to the “previous offense.” However, potential penalties will essentially come down to the level of crime you’re charged with.
For instance, an act charged as a Class H felony could result in up to six years in prison and a fine of $10,000. This is a substantial punishment, but what if prior convictions or other issues result in a more serious charge? If the prosecutor secures a conviction for a Class G felony, a person could be sent to state prison for a decade and face fines of $25,000. If federal jurisdiction is involved, some of these charges could even result in a life sentence. Put simply, you don’t want to face these charges without an attorney who defends drug conspiracy charges in Madison, WI.
Because each type of drug has its own set of criminal penalties, anyone charged with conspiracy must contact a criminal defense law firm immediately. An experienced drug conspiracy defense lawyer can provide information related to your specific charge.
Why Should I Hire Your Law Firm to Defend Me Against Drug Conspiracy Charges?
If you’re facing state or federal drug charges, it’s important to understand that the deck is stacked against you. The prosecutor wants a conviction, and they’ll often stop at nothing to secure one. Mandatory minimum sentences mean that you could end up losing years of your life – all due to an unfair charge or simple mistake on your part. This is a terrifying reality, but it’s one that you don’t have to face alone. You have the right to an attorney, and you should absolutely exercise that right.
If you have been charged with drug conspiracy, you need a well-qualified lawyer to defend you against the serious charges you face. Our law firm has a proven track record of obtaining favorable results for our clients. At Casper Mehlos Law Group LLC, we work hard to help our clients avoid state and federal criminal prosecutions. If we can have your case thrown out entirely, that’s what we’ll fight to do. If a reduction in charges is the best-case scenario, that’s what we’ll work for.
Unfortunately, there will be instances where the prosecuting attorney just won’t budge. Whether they’re trying to make an example with your case or just wrongfully suspect you of a crime, their focus will not waver. When we agree to take your case, our legal team will immediately begin to analyze the prosecution’s evidence against you.
This evidence may include witness testimony, video evidence, and surveillance footage. First, we will review all the evidence and identify potential weaknesses in the case. Then, we will negotiate with the prosecution to try to reduce or dismiss your charges. Contact Casper Mehlos Law Group, of Madison, WI, by calling (608) 820-8926 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and potential legal options.