State and federal laws can both apply to the same crimes.
If you’ve been charged with drug-related crimes, federal charges can be stacked on top of state charges, resulting in a longer sentence. Without guidance from an experienced lawyer, identifying the differences between state and federal laws can be confusing for clients. Fortunately, Phillip Linder has worked as a lawyer in Texas for decades, and has a thorough mastery of state and federal drug laws. Read below for more information distinguishing between federal drug laws, and those enforced by the state of Texas.
Differences Between State and Federal Drug Laws
The differences between state and federal drug laws can make some cases confusing. Understanding these key differences will shed some light on your situation and what to expect. Here are some of the most important ways that state and federal drug laws differ:
Difference in Jurisdiction
State laws are enforced within the borders of their corresponding state. Federal laws typically apply when a crime involves multiple states or federal property. Note that there are situations where both types of law may apply to the same crime. For example, if someone is arrested for drug possession at a National Park, then they may be charged with both federal and state offenses.
Differences in Penalties
The most important thing to know about the penalties for state and federal drug laws is that the federal penalties are much more severe. A primary example is the fact that a first-time offender can get a serious prison term if the law is federal, but state laws are more likely to be dismissed.
Difference in Enforcement
The local police can enforce state laws, but federal drug laws are enforced by agents from federal organizations. For drug cases, DEA agents will be the enforcers of federal drug crimes.
State and Federal Laws Can Apply to the Same Crime
In cases where an offender can be tried by state or federal law for the same crime, the prosecuting lawyer decides how to move forward. This can mean that state and federal charges may overlap or that one may be favored over the other during prosecution. These differences are subtle, but too important to ignore. Phillip Linder has the experience and knowledge to prepare a high-quality defense for whatever drug charges they throw at you.
Phillip Linder is the Drug Crime Attorney that Knows the Difference
The ways state and federal laws affect a case can be confusing, even for most lawyers. If you’re facing drug charges in Texas, don’t risk making a bad decision. Choose Phillip Linder, the drug lawyer who has vast experience dealing with the state and federal laws of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. A drug charge is a serious situation that can cost years of your freedom, so don’t settle for second best.