Can Federal Drug Charges Be Reduced Or Dismissed? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs, members of the leading criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, give an answer to this common federal drug charges question.
Interview Transcript
Scott Michael Dunn: Can federal drug charges ever be reduced or dismissed?
Andrew Russek: They theoretically can be, but that’s all part of fighting the case: Either getting them reduced or getting mitigation on the sentencing guidelines.
Scott Michael Dunn: So, what are the federal drug schedules?
Andrew Russek: That’s another– kind of like the matrix, you have to be good at math, and you have to be able to read through, because there are chapters and chapters dedicated to that. It depends on how much fentanyl you had.
Chris Combs: Purity levels.
Andrew Russek: Yeah, purity level for methamphetamine versus what is colloquially called “ice,” which will be a higher percentage of pure meth.
You can have the same amount, but if you have pure stuff, you’re higher mandatory minimum, you’re in more trouble.
Scott Michael Dunn: It’s, it’s all points, right?
Andrew Russek: It’s–
Scott Michael Dunn: An accumulation of points, that?
Andrew Russek: That’s what it ultimately comes out to look like, yes: Points. What your base pointage would be.
So you can start– I’m making up the number here ’cause I don’t have it in front of me– but start with 15 points. But again, if Chris has the same amount and he’s charged, but it’s more pure, he’s starting with 20 points. And [those five points], that can be five years in prison, that is interchangeable.
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.
