What Are Federal Drug Trafficking Charges? Chris Combs and Andrew Russek of Combs Waterkotte discuss what it means to be accused of drug trafficking, and the reach of the federal government in building cases.
Interview Transcript
Scott Michael Dunn: Well, speaking of moving drugs over state lines: What, what constitutes a federal drug trafficking charge?
Andrew Russek: It will be– it’s a federal government charge, “possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute,” is what you see a lot.
Scott Michael Dunn: Okay.
Andrew Russek: So it is, “Are you distributing drugs? Are you accused of distributing drugs?”
Again, the amount matters, as well as, can they show that the drugs were coming from out of state. I mean, that’s really all they need is either the amount and/or that they were coming from out of state. So we see that a lot in Missouri on 44 and 70, cars being pulled over–
Scott Michael Dunn: Mm-hmm.
Andrew Russek: They were in Texas the day prior– believe it or not, the federal government will find out where your car was today prior– that gives them the federal jurisdiction, that gives the federal government the interest in coming after you.
Chris Combs: Yeah, with the technology today and the license plate readers, they can tell you where your car was.
It’s scary how much information the federal government has. I’ve sat in some of these meetings, and I’ve walked out with kind of that pit feeling in my stomach of like, “Wow, they have a lot of information.”
Scott Michael Dunn: Everything.
Chris Combs: Pretty much everything, yes.
If you’re facing federal charges and need an expert criminal defense lawyer, contact Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential case review. We will fight for your rights and freedom.
