Federal Drug Crimes Attorney in Odessa

Facing Federal Drug Charges In West Texas? Call Sarabia Law Firm

Learning that you are the target of a federal drug investigation or that you have been charged in federal court can be frightening. The rules are different from state courts, and the consequences can be severe. In this situation, having a federal drug charges attorney in Odessa is critical.

At Sarabia Law Firm, we represent people in Odessa, Midland, and across West Texas who are facing serious drug accusations. Our attorneys are native to Odessa, and we understand how a federal case can affect your job, your family, and your reputation in the Permian Basin. We focus on building strong relationships with clients so you never feel like just a case number.

We offer free consultations so you can sit down with us, ask questions, and understand what you are facing before making decisions about your defense. From the first meeting through every court appearance, our goal is to use clear communication and current technology to reduce stress and help you move forward with a plan.

The federal government has already started its case against you. Don't wait to start yours. Contact a federal drug charges attorney in Odessa at (432) 224-8036 or contact us online for a free consultation. ¡Hablamos español!

Understanding Federal Drug Crimes Laws in Texas

Federal drug crimes are primarily governed by the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. § 801 et seq.). While Texas state law handles many local possession cases, the federal government typically steps in when an investigation involves large quantities of drugs, interstate or international trafficking, or activity occurring on federal property.

Understanding the specific charges is vital for a strong defense:

• Drug Trafficking (21 U.S.C. § 841): This is the most common federal drug charge. It involves the manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing of a controlled substance, or the possession of a substance with the "intent" to distribute it.
• Drug Conspiracy (21 U.S.C. § 846): You can be charged with a federal crime even if you never touched the drugs. A conspiracy charge only requires the government to prove there was an agreement between two or more people to violate federal drug laws.
• Manufacturing of Controlled Substances: This targets operations involving the cultivation of marijuana or the chemical production of drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl.
• Distribution Resulting in Death: In the wake of the fentanyl crisis, federal prosecutors are increasingly charging individuals for distribution when a user suffers a fatal overdose. This carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years.

As an Odessa federal drug crimes lawyer, we analyze the specific "schedules" and "penalty groups" involved in your case, as the chemical classification and the aggregate weight of the substance dictate the severity of the potential sentence.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Federal Drug Convictions

The federal system is notoriously rigid, often stripping judges of their discretion through mandatory minimum sentencing.

• Mandatory Minimums: Many federal drug crimes carry mandatory 5-year, 10-year, or 20-year prison sentences. These are "floor" sentences, meaning a judge cannot go lower unless specific "safety valve" exceptions apply.
• No Parole: Unlike the Texas state system, the federal prison system does not have parole. If sentenced, you will likely serve at least 85% of your time.
• Asset Forfeiture: The government may seize your home, vehicles, and bank accounts if they allege the assets were derived from or used in drug-related activity.
• Loss of Civil Liberties: A federal felony conviction results in a permanent loss of the right to possess firearms and the right to vote.
• Immigration Consequences: For non-citizens, federal drug convictions are almost always "aggravated felonies" that lead to mandatory deportation and permanent inadmissibility to the U.S.

Why Local Federal Defense Matters

Federal drug cases that arise in this part of West Texas are usually handled in the federal courts that serve our region. Because our attorneys grew up in Odessa, we are closely connected to the community you live in. That context matters when we talk with you about your goals and the long-term impact of different choices in a federal drug case.

As a private criminal defense firm, we do not carry the same volume of files that public defender offices often do. This gives us the ability to spend time reviewing discovery with you, explaining federal sentencing concepts, and answering questions from your family. We use secure communication tools, including phone, video, and electronic document sharing, so you can stay informed even when court dates or work schedules make in-person meetings difficult.

When you work with our team, you work directly with attorneys who practice in West Texas and the Permian Basin, not with an out-of-town lawyer who may be unfamiliar with the local environment. We combine our knowledge of the federal system with local insight so we can tailor strategy to your specific situation and the courts that will hear your case.

Call (432) 224-8036 or reach out online to speak with an experienced federal drug charges attorney in Odessa. We offer free consultations and a dedicated approach to protecting your future in federal court.