The Stark Reality of When Conspiracy To Distribute Meth and Cocaine Overlaps With Illegal Reentry
One of the most serious federal crimes you can be charged with is drug conspiracy. Now, when multiple charges overlap, such as conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and illegal reentry after deportation, it raises the stakes significantly. Such situations can result in overwhelming consequences. Often, defendants face lengthy prison sentences. If you are facing charges of conspiring to distribute meth and cocaine together with illegal reentry after deportation, it is vital that you understand how the law works and the consequences you risk facing if convicted. A recent Florida case highlights just how serious the consequences can be.
Understanding Federal Drug Conspiracy
Federal drug conspiracy charges are among the most serious criminal charges you can face. This offense occurs when a person knowingly and intentionally participates in a plan to distribute drugs. Distribution includes transporting, selling, or delivering drugs.
To be charged with drug conspiracy, you don’t have to have been caught in the act of distributing the drugs. Instead, the prosecution is only required to prove;
- An agreement existed between you and at least one other person to distribute illegal drugs
- You took an overt action in furtherance of the conspiracy
An overt act is an observable action a person takes in furtherance of a particular purpose or intent. In a drug conspiracy case, it can include arranging a meeting, acting as a middleman, or arranging transactions.
For cocaine and methamphetamine, the penalties for a federal conspiracy charge are severe. A conviction could trigger a mandatory jail term of not less than 10 years.
What Is Illegal Reentry After Deportation?
Illegal reentry after deportation is another federal offense that is taken very seriously in the United States. This felony offense arises when a person returns to the U.S. without permission after being previously deported or removed. Being found guilty of this crime can result in significant prison sentences and further deportation after serving the criminal sentence. When illegal reentry is charged alongside another major federal crime like conspiracy to distribute meth and cocaine, the consequences can include decades in prison.
Real Case Example
In this case, a U.S. District Judge sentenced a man, whom for purposes of this article, we will refer to as A.G., from Orlando to 19 years and 7 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and meth and illegal reentry after deportation. One of his co-conspirators was sentenced to 18 months, and another to 21 years and 10 months.
It was revealed that between August and December 2023, A.G. was a connection for a confidential informant who was working with law enforcement. Over the course of five transactions, the defendant helped the informant obtain cocaine from one of his co-conspirators, and on four different occasions, he facilitated the sale of several pounds of meth sold by the other co-conspirator. One of the deals also involved the sale of a firearm.
A.G. had previously been deported, making his presence in the country a significant factor in his sentencing.
Defending Against These Charges
If you are facing drug conspiracy charges together with illegal reentry charges, you are in a serious situation. However, you are not without options. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help defend against these charges. An attorney can;
- Analyze the prosecution’s case for weaknesses
- Challenge the credibility of witnesses or informants
- Argue constitutional violations
Contact an Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer
For help defending yourself, contact our skilled Orlando criminal defense lawyer at Joshi Law Firm, PA.
Source:
justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/guatemalan-national-sentenced-19-years-federal-prison-dealing-methamphetamine-and
