In most cases, drug charges are handled at state criminal courts. However, there are cases where you may be charged with federal drug crimes. Here are some of the reasons your drug charges may be taken to a federal court and you may need a drug crime attorney:

You Were Arrested On Federal Property

One of the surest ways to get charged with federal drug crime is to get arrested with drugs on federal property. This may be the case if you were using the drugs, manufacturing the drugs, or selling the drugs on federal property grounds. What matters is that you were arrested on federal property. Examples of federal properties include national parks, federal courthouses, federal prison, or a military base, among others.

A Federal Drug Suspect Has Informed On You

You should also prepare to defend federal drug charges if you have been arrested on information received from a federal drug suspect. This may be the case, for example, if a federal suspect has named you as an accomplice or co-conspirator in a drug trafficking charge. Another example is if a drug suspect was arrested with controlled substances in a national park, the suspect has entered a plea deal that requires them to inform on other suspects, and they have named you as one of the suspects.

The Crime Involves Multiple State Jurisdictions

Crossing from one state to another with illegal drugs will attract federal charges in case you are arrested. The same thing will happen if you are arrested while trying to enter or leave the U.S. with illegal drugs. For example, if you are arrested while trying to traffic cocaine from Mexico into the U.S., then the charges against you will be federal drug charges.  

You Were Arrested By a Federal Officer

Lastly, you should also expect federal drug charges if you have been arrested by a federal officer. There are many ways in which a federal officer can arrest you for drug charges even if you are not on a federal property. A good example is if you are implicated in an ongoing investigation; another example is if they have been monitoring your drug activities. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) officers are examples of federal officers who may arrest you and have you charged with federal drug crimes.

As you know, federal courts have different nuisances and rules from state courts. Therefore, it's best if you get a criminal defense lawyer with experience in federal crimes to help you with your defense.