The Consequences of Distributing Drugs While on Supervised Release

Being charged with federal drug trafficking is a serious thing. However, being charged with this offense while on supervised release can result in extremely severe consequences. Federal courts take violations of supervised release very seriously. If found guilty of distributing drugs while on supervised release, you may face penalties for the drug offense in addition to penalties for violating supervised release.

Understanding the meaning of supervised release, the rules you must follow, and the consequences of violations, especially when the violations involve drug distribution, is vital. Read on!

Understanding Supervised Release

Some people confuse “supervised release” with “probation.” These are two different things. While both involve supervision by a probation officer, supervised release is imposed after an individual has served their prison sentence, whereas probation is a sentence that allows an offender to avoid jail. Usually, the judge sets the supervised release term (often between 1 and 5 years) and conditions at the time of sentencing.

During supervised release, the defendant is required to abide by certain rules. Some common conditions of supervised release include;

• Not engaging in criminal activity
• Regularly reporting to the probation officer
• Avoiding interaction with known criminals
• Undergoing random drug and alcohol testing
• Not possessing firearms or dangerous weapons
• Maintaining a job

A violation of the conditions of supervised release may result in the defendant being sent back to prison.

Why Are Violations Involving Drug Distribution Taken Seriously?

Violating supervised release in any way can land you in big trouble. However, if you are caught distributing controlled substances while on supervised release, the court is less likely to be lenient. Drug trafficking cases on their own carry harsh penalties, with the exact consequences depending on the type and quantity of drugs involved. These offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences, and usually, the larger the volume of drugs, the greater the mandatory minimum sentence. If you are caught committing an offense of drug trafficking while on supervised release, you could face extremely harsh consequences, including;

• A sentence for violating supervised release
• An additional sentence for the drug offense

Real Case Example

A recent Florida case demonstrates the seriousness of trafficking drugs while on supervised release. In this case, a senior U.S. District Judge sentenced a man, whom, for purposes of this article, we will refer to as M.K., to 15 years in federal prison after he was caught distributing controlled substances and violating the terms of his supervised release.

According to the evidence presented in the case, from October to December last year, the defendant sold methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to an undercover agent and confidential source. M.K. was also caught with other drugs. In total, he was responsible for distributing almost 1.5 kilograms of pure meth, over 80 grams of fentanyl, and more than 10 grams of cocaine.

At the time he committed this crime, M.K. was serving a four-year term of supervised release. The fact that he committed the offense while on supervised release significantly increased his sentence.

How Can You Protect Your Rights if Accused?

If accused of distributing drugs while on supervised release, the best thing you can do is hire a skilled criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can;

• Review the prosecutor’s case for weaknesses
• Argue constitutional violations, such as a violation of your Fourth Amendment rights
• Negotiate for reduced charges

Contact Us for Legal Help

Our experienced Orlando criminal defense lawyer at Joshi Law Firm, P.A. can help protect your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Source:

justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/brevard-county-man-sentenced-15-years-federal-prison-distributing-drugs-while