Fighting Your Drug Charges

Kassius Benson’s experience allows him to identify and exploit weaknesses which may lead to reduced penalties or charges, a dismissal of the charges against you, or an acquittal at trial. He can predict what will be needed in your defense to counter the prosecution’s arguments.

Kassius O. Benson also represents individuals in relation to asset, property, and vehicle forfeiture matters. Those individuals have often had property such as houses, businesses, vehicles, and money seized in relation to a narcotics investigation. Mr. Benson has successfully litigated and negotiated the return of personal property in those instances.

If you are charged with drug possession or drug distribution, don’t hesitate to contact Kassius Benson at (612) 333-2755 (Minnesota) or (202) 744-2544 (Washington, D.C.) or online via our contact us form.

Defending Drug Conspiracy Charges

Minnesota Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer for Drug Crimes and Conspiracy Charges

Drug conspiracy charges and cases are very serious and complicated.  Potential conviction and the likely sentence often depend upon drug quantity, the testimony of witnesses and possibly cooperation with the prosecution.  Many people charged with federal drug conspiracies want a prediction on the outcome of their cases.  They often wonder about the likelihood of a conviction and the length of a potential sentence.

Kassius Benson can help you navigate the federal legal system so that you can make reliable decisions based on in-depth understanding of the consequences you may face.

Experienced Federal Criminal Defense Representation

In federal drug conspiracy cases, the strength of the evidence is paramount.  As an experienced lawyer, Kassius Benson is skilled at helping clients evaluate whether to take a case to trial or whether to find other ways to resolve the issue more favorably for the client. He places a large emphasis on honesty with our clients. Although it is often more difficult to be realistic with clients than to promise miracles, we know that our clients and their families deserve the truth about the seriousness of federal drug conspiracy charges.

Possession With Intent to Distribute Drugs

Federal government agencies, including the DEA and the FBI, expend tremendous resources prosecuting people for drug crimes. This makes it imperative that you work with an experienced federal criminal defense attorney if you have been accused of possession with intent to distribute drugs.

Kassius Benson, a trial attorney, offers strong and effective federal criminal defense against charges of possession with intent to distribute, drug distribution, or drug trafficking involving a wide range of drugs, such as:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine/crack
• Heroin
• Methamphetamine
• Prescription narcotics such as OxyContin
• Illegal steroids
• Ecstasy
• GHB

Fighting Drug Charges in Federal Court

Often, the most successful fights are ones made early, excluding evidence illegally obtained through warrantless searches and seizures. We have a great deal of experience in these pre-trial matters, as well as in post-trial sentencing mitigation and appeals.

For assistance with federal criminal charges for possession with intent to distribute drugs, from investigation to post-conviction relief, contact Kassius Benson online today, or call 612-333-2755 (Minnesota) of 202-744-2544 (Washington, D.C.) to schedule your initial consultation.

Prescription Drug Crimes

When medical professionals or others are under investigation for or have been charged with prescription drug crimes, it is imperative to retain legal counsel immediately. Anything you say can be used against you, so invoke your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.

Prescription drugs often include:

• OxyContin
• Oxycodone
• Percocet
• Hydrocodone / Vicodin
• Valium
• Xanax
• Vioxx
• Celebrex
• Ritalin
• Adderall

Kassius Benson represents clients charged with unlawful possession of prescription medication as well as certain acts related to prescription drugs including stealing blank prescription pads, forging doctors’ signatures or photocopying prescriptions;  and impersonation of medical staff and call in prescriptions.

Kassius Benson represents health care professionals such as doctors, nurses and pharmacists who are accused of involvement in illegal activities, including overprescribing drugs and prescription fraud. Your professional license is at risk if you are accused of a medical crime. He can also represent you at any licensing board hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Crimes

Q: What are the common legal challenges raised in drug cases?

A: The most common challenges in drug cases relate to how the evidence was obtained. If the police violated the defendant’s Fourth Amendment search and seizure rights or Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination, the court will suppress the drugs or statements as being unlawfully obtained. Without this evidence, the prosecution may not be able to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt and the case may be dismissed as a result.

Q: How is drug court different from regular criminal court?

A: Drug courts combine criminal justice and medical treatment models to deal with drug crimes. They recognize that incarceration may not be the most effective method for breaking the cycle of drug addiction and crime, especially for first-time and low-level offenders. Drug courts emphasize a cooperative approach between the prosecutor, defendant and court, and they favor rehabilitation over jail. Successful completion of drug court programs can result in reduced charges or sentences, or dismissal of charges altogether.

Q: What is the difference between civil and criminal forfeiture?

A: Forfeiture is the government seizure of property connected to criminal activity. In criminal forfeiture, the government takes property after obtaining a conviction, as part of the defendant’s sentence. In civil forfeiture, a criminal charge or conviction is not needed; the government only needs to show by a preponderance of the evidence that the property was used to facilitate a crime. In theory, criminal forfeiture is a punishment, while civil forfeiture is remedial. Most forfeiture actions are civil.

Q: What does a grand jury do in a drug case?

A: A grand jury is a group of people called together by the prosecutor to gather and review information about suspected criminal activity. After listening to witness testimony and examining evidence, the grand jury decides whether there is enough evidence to issue an indictment charging the defendant with drug crimes. Grand juries are used in the federal system and most states. At the federal level and in some states, grand juries must be used for charging felony drug crimes; in some states, they may be used but do not have to be.

Q: If I simply intend to plead guilty, why do I need a lawyer?

A: Even if you plan to plead guilty to the drug crime with which you are charged, getting the advice of experienced counsel offers you the best chance to minimize your sentence and maximize your opportunities to move ahead toward a brighter future. Criminal defense attorneys play an important role in the criminal justice system, by equalizing the balance of power between the defendant and the prosecution and ensuring that the constitutional rights guaranteed to all criminal defendants are protected. An experienced drug crimes attorney can negotiate for terms most advantageous to the client as well as guide clients toward treatment options that may be looked upon favorably by the court or prosecutor.

Q: What are controlled substances “Schedules”?

A: The federal Controlled Substances Act classifies drugs into five categories, or “Schedules,” based on their potential for dependency and abuse as compared with their therapeutic value. Schedule I controlled substances have the highest potential for dependency with no accepted medical use, while Schedule V drugs have a low potential for dependency and accepted medical uses. The most severe penalties for illegal possession, sale or manufacture of controlled substances involve those listed in Schedule I. Most, if not all, states have drug laws that mirror the Controlled Substances Act.

Q: What are sentencing guidelines?

A: Federal and state sentencing guidelines are standards used by the court to determine the punishment for a convicted individual. They have been adopted in an effort to increase consistency in sentencing. The length of a sentence is based on two factors: the severity of the crime and the defendant’s prior criminal history, and the guidelines specify a minimum and maximum range the court can give. In certain circumstances, the judge may depart from the specified range.

Q: What is the difference between parole and probation?

A: Parole and probation are employed in the punishment phase of the criminal justice process. Parole comes into play after a person has been imprisoned and is released subject to supervision by an officer of the court. Probation refers to a criminal sentence separate and distinct from incarceration. Probation is a common sentence imposed for first-time offenders or for less serious charges. It typically involves releasing the convicted offender into the community subject to certain terms and conditions. Both parole and probation may include conditions like drug treatment, drug testing and status appearances before the court.

Q:  What are potential civil and criminal consequences that can result from a drug conviction?

A:   The potential criminal penalties for a drug conviction may include confinement in prison, local confinement at jail, or probation.  Potential civil consequences include seizure of assets, money, vehicles and property as well as loss of federal benefits, eligibility for student financial aid and housing opportunities.

What should I do if I am arrested or questioned by police regarding a drug offense?

If you are the subject of a narcotics investigation or arrest, whether a federal drug conspiracy or a state drug possession, you should decline to speak to the police by asserting your Right to Remain Silent. You should also retain an attorney experienced with the criminal defense of drug crimes.

How can Kassius Benson effectively represent my interests if I am the subject of an investigation for a drug offense?

Kassius Benson effectively and aggressively represents individuals charged with drug offenses. While every case is different, you can expect that we will provide an effective defense by:

• Conducting legal research on the issues and developing a defense for your charge
• Investigating all aspects of the case and the circumstances leading to your arrest and charging
• Interviewing and planning for the testimony of all witnesses related to case
• Contacting law enforcement or the prosecutor in an attempt to prevent indictment or minimize the charges that are filed
• Bringing motions to eliminate or reduce the amount of bail needed
• Bringing motions to suppress, or exclude, evidence seized in the case based on illegal searches, illegal arrests, and illegal warrants
• Bringing motions to dismiss the case
• In proper circumstances, negotiating alternatives to jail time
• Preparing the case for jury trial

To learn more about how Kassius O. Benson can help you, call (612) 333-2755 or fill out the contact us form