Top-Rated Trial Attorney & Aggressive Defense Lawyer

Staunch Defense For Federal Drug Crimes

As a result of the decades-long “War on Drugs” and federal and state legislators pandering to uninformed voters in an attempt to seem “tough on crime,” federal and state drug crimes usually carry long prison sentences, much longer than needed or useful. Richard Rice is a former federal prosecutor who specializes in defending people accused of drug crimes, such as drug trafficking, drug conspiracy, and possession with intent to distribute. His Atlanta legal practice of The Rice Law Firm, LLC handles a broad range of serious federal charges.

When Richard Rice was an Assistant United States Attorney, he was one of the lead prosecutors for DEA in the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) section. In that role, he supervised and coordinate local and international drug investigations, involving agencies such as DEA, FBI, ICE, IRS, GBI, the Georgia State Patrol, and other state and local law enforcement agencies. As a result of this knowledge and experience, Richard Rice knows what can be done by the police investigating a drug crime, what the police should have done, and most importantly can identify what the police missed and what they did wrong. Whether your case involves a wiretap, physician “pill mills,” a snitch, a controlled buy, or a seemingly random traffic stop, Richard Rice utilizes his knowledge and experience to get you the best possible result.

Sentencing For Federal Convictions

Sentences for federal drug crimes, such as possession with intent to distribute, distribution, or a conspiracy to distribute drugs, are determined primarily by the federal sentencing guidelines. Federal sentencing guidelines take into account characteristics of the case such as criminal history, the quantity of drugs, the client’s role in the conduct, weapons, the number of participants, and the sophistication of the operation.

While the federal sentencing guidelines seem to concentrate on enhancing or increasing the sentence, there are numerous provisions that can result in a downward departure or reduction in a sentence. These include:

  • Safety valve
  • Acceptance of responsibility
  • Minor role
  • Coercion
  • Duress
  • Diminished capacity
  • Aberrant behaviors

Only a criminal defense attorney with the knowledge and experience that Richard Rice possesses can ensure that you get all the benefits and reductions that you deserve. Attorney Rice also defends clients arrested for other criminal charges.

Contact Us For Free Evaluation Of Your Case

If you would like to learn how we can assist, call the practice at 770-615-0816 or contact us online. Our experienced and dedicated attorney is ready to help.