Facing federal drug trafficking charges is daunting enough—but when you have a prior conviction, the stakes become even higher. Federal law is particularly unforgiving when it comes to repeat offenders, imposing dramatically enhanced penalties that can turn years behind bars into decades—or even a life sentence. Understanding how your criminal history affects the outcome of your current case is critical to preparing a strong defense.
Under federal law, drug trafficking offenses are subject to mandatory minimum sentencing, which means the judge must impose at least a specified number of years in prison, regardless of the circumstances. However, those mandatory minimums increase significantly if you’ve been convicted of certain drug-related offenses in the past.
For example, a first-time offense involving 500 grams of cocaine might carry a mandatory minimum of five years in federal prison. But if the defendant has one prior felony drug conviction, the sentence could double to ten years. With two or more prior convictions, a defendant may face a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole.
These sentencing enhancements are governed by 21 U.S. Code § 851, which allows the government to formally notify the court of your prior drug convictions and seek enhanced penalties based on your criminal history.
It’s important to note that not every prior conviction qualifies for enhanced sentencing under federal guidelines. To trigger an enhancement, the prior offense must meet specific criteria:
Some older convictions, misdemeanor offenses, or state-level charges may not meet the threshold for a federal enhancement. At Glozman Law, we meticulously review the details of every prior conviction to determine whether it can legally be used against you—and we challenge its validity whenever possible.
If you have a prior drug conviction, the consequences of a new federal charge are severe—but not automatic. You still have rights, and you still have options. With the right legal strategy, it may be possible to avoid the harshest outcomes and get your life back on track.
At Glozman Law, we understand how devastating sentencing enhancements can be for repeat offenders—and we fight aggressively to challenge them. We start by closely examining your criminal history, ensuring the government’s interpretation aligns with the law. If a prior conviction doesn’t meet the legal standard, we’ll move to block its use in your current case.
At Glozman Law, we bring years of experience, courtroom knowledge, and a relentless commitment to defending individuals accused of federal crimes. When your freedom is on the line, don’t settle for less than a team that knows how to fight—and win.