Picture of the leaves of a marijuana plant in the sunlight.
You need Flash player 8+ and JavaScript enabled to view this video.

In these videos, Tad shares his thoughts with the National Media on popular issues.

Have A Case?

Access Code

Practice Areas > Federal Drugs

Houston Federal Drug Crime Attorney

Attorney Representation in Houston, Texas since 1992

If you're facing federal drug charges, the chances are good that you're facing some pretty serious penalties. The federal government is often involved in different task forces, where they assist the local governmental agencies with local drug investigations. When the Feds assist the local agencies the charges can be filed in the State courts in Texas, however,  if law enforcement believes there's a large-scale drug operation, state or national borders were crossed, organized crime is involved, or there's significant firearms and violence the matter will most likely be handled in the Federal Courts. If the prosecution arises after a long-term investigation, it's also likely to be a federal case.

Tad Nelson & Associates regularly defend clients charged with federal drug crimes in the U.S. District Courts for the Southern & Eastern District of Texas. Serious federal charges we defend include:

Picture of bags of cocaine, piles of cocaine, and a machine gun with a finger on the trigger.
  • Large-scale possession and possession with intent to distribute
  • Manufacturing or cultivation, including cultivation on federal property
  • Sales, especially large-scale sales
  • Smuggling, trafficking, importing or exporting a controlled substance
  • Maintaining a continued criminal enterprise
  • Investing illicit drug profits in interstate commerce
  • Conspiracy to do any of these things
  • RICO (Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) charges -- organized crime
  • Penalties for Federal Drug Crimes

 

Federal drug charges carry extremely long prison sentences. A first offense for trafficking the lowest amounts of cocaine, heroin or meth draws five to 40 years in prison; if there was death or serious injury, the sentence is 20 years to life. Higher amounts of drugs and repeat offenses draw even more prison time.

If law enforcement believes organized crime of any kind was behind the crime, they may stack on charges for racketeering (RICO), which can substantially increase the sentence. A RICO charge also allows law enforcement to freeze or confiscate your assets before you're even indicted. And of course, a federal conviction carries all the social and professional stigma of any criminal conviction posted to your record. If you're facing federal drug charges, it's essential to protect your rights by hiring a high-quality criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Don't say a single word to law enforcement until you have talked with your lawyer.

 

Large-Scale Drug Crime Cases in Texas

Federal drug cases are almost always the result of long-term investigations. If you've been charged with a serious federal drug crime, it's likely that law enforcement has built its case for months or even years, relying on surveillance, wiretaps, informants and other covert evidence. Most of the time they have discussed the case with co-defendants and have made deals with those defendants to testify against you. These techniques can leave gaps in information, which can lead to arrests of people who aren't really involved. Once you're in the interview room, they may try to intimidate or coax you into completing the picture for them. Don't say a word, because anything you say to law enforcement can and WILL be used against you.

 

 

Put a *Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist and
Former Assistant District Attorney in Your Corner — Call (281) 280-0100

Our firm and Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney Tad Nelson provide skilled legal representation and services to people throughout Galveston, Harris, and Brazoria County and the Greater-Houston metro area. If you have been arrested for any criminal activity or need Criminal Law advice — call our League City law offices directly or contact us online today.

 


Major Credit Cards Accepted
Evening, Weekend, and Off-Site Appointments Available

*The Texas Board of Legal Specialization certifies attorneys in 20 specific areas of law; certification in any of these areas requires substantial demonstrated experience and skill, positive peer evaluations, ongoing legal education commitments, and the passage of a rigorous test.

 

 

TAD NELSON & ASSOCIATES SERVE THE FOLLOWING AREAS:
The League City, Texas, law firm of Tad Nelson & Associates provides legal advice and services to people with family law or criminal law concerns in Galveston County, Harris County, Brazoria County, the Houston Metro area, and cities such as Galveston, Clear Lake Shores, Clear Lake, Webster, League City, Friendswood, Texas City, Pasadena, Pearland, Dickinson, Alvin, Deer Park, Baytown, NASA, Seabrook, Kemah, LaPorte, LaMarque, Angleton, Webster & Nassau Bay.
  • TOLL FREE 1.888.765.5614
  • HOUSTON 281.316.9201
  • LEAGUE CITY 281.280.0100
  • GALVESTON 409.745.5614

Call for an initial consultation or contact us online to get the answers you've been looking for and the legal representation you need today.

Houston Criminal Lawyer

League City (Main Office): 820 E Main Street   |   League City, Texas 77573
Galveston: 1919 Sealy Sreet.   |   Galveston, Texas 77550

DISCLAIMER: These materials have been prepared by Tad Nelson and Associates for informational purposes only and are not legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship. Internet subscribers and online readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. Do not send us information until you speak with one of our Houston criminal lawyers and get authorization to send that information to us.