Mandatory Minimums
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation of Columbia, Christopher Peeples of Bishopville, South Carolina has pled guilty to a federal drug charge. Peeples was indicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 or more grams of powder cocaine and 5 grams or more of crack cocaine. Peeples was convicted of a prior felony drug conviction, so he is facing a mandatory minimum of ten years and a maximum of life imprisonment. From the years of 2004 to 2010, agents arrested several other individuals allegly involved in the conspiracy.
Since Peeples accepted a plea agreement, his presentence investigation report will determine the severity of his sentence. This document lets the judge evaluate Peeples' criminal history on a point scale and compare it to the sentence requirements within the United States Sentencing Guidelines. In Peeples' case, he will automatically be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years due to laws passed by Congress in 1986 and 1988. Mandatory minimums are usually imposed for certain drug crimes or gun offenses. The sentencing guidelines provide the exact procedure to follow when evaluating a sentence, which is why a person should consult with an experienced federal lawyer when being charged with a federal crime. A federal attorney is able to retrieve information and advise you on what to expect during your sentencing hearing.
Being indicted for a federal crime can be a frightening experience because the federal rules are often confusing and overly complex. This is why it is important to contact a good federal defense lawyer who can make sure you are aware of all of your options. The federal rules change frequently and your attorney should be aware of the laws to ensure that you have the best defense possible.
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