How Federal Drug Cases Are Built
Federal drug investigations are in a league of their own, involving federal task forces conducting a thorough investigation to establish your involvement. Federal agencies will often rely on tips from informants or undercover agents, wiretapping, GPS tracking, or physical surveillance to link your actions to the drug offense. Given the government’s ample resources, federal drug investigations are more in-depth, often lasting several months or even years.
If you believe that you are currently under a federal drug investigation, our San Antonio federal drug crime lawyer would like to speak with you.
What Federal Agencies Investigate Drug Crimes?
A drug investigation may be conducted by any of the following federal agencies, overseen by the Department of Justice (DOJ):
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Homeland Security Investigations (HIS)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
Each federal agency has separate subagencies and divisions that are designated to investigate crimes. This allows the government to focus its efforts on digging up every piece of information regarding your drug offense.
Components of a Federal Drug Investigation
Depending on the circumstances of your crime, one or more of the above-listed federal agencies may investigate the matter. To gather information, federal agents often resort to the following:
Tips from Informants or Undercover Agents
Federal investigators often rely on tips from informants and undercover agents to determine a person’s involvement in a drug offense. An informant is typically another person facing criminal charges who negotiates a lighter sentence in exchange for their cooperation. In other cases, a DEA or FBI agent may pose as a drug dealer to get inside information.
Wiretap Surveillance
Wiretapping allows federal agents to listen in on your phone conversations or to intercept text messages, e-mails, or encrypted data. Federal agents cannot just go ahead and listen in on your phone calls; rather, they must get court approval. This involves establishing probable cause and convincing a judge that all other measures have failed. Wiretap surveillance is not allowed in every criminal offense, but only the ones listed under 18 U.S.C. §2516. Among these, drug distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking are included.
Once the order is issued, the wiretap is only permitted for 30 days. During this time, federal investigators will listen in on a criminal suspect’s calls. Since these suspects are unaware that they are under investigation, they often reveal incriminating details, including the location/date/time of drug deals, names of co-conspirators, and drug routes.
GPS Tracking or Physical Surveillance
If a federal agent can establish probable cause, they can obtain a search warrant to install a GPS device on your vehicle. A GPS device will track everywhere that your car has traveled. Although the initial tracking is only allowed for 45 days, investigators can get a 45-day extension if they can show good cause.
In addition to GPS tracking, federal agents may conduct active surveillance of your residence, workplace, or other places you regularly go. This may include moving surveillance, where they follow you, or stationary surveillance, in which they watch you from one spot. Stationary surveillance is also known as a “stakeout.” If you see any unmarked vehicles sitting outside your property, you should contact our San Antonio drug crime lawyer.
Under Federal Investigation? Contact Our San Antonio Drug Crime Lawyer Today
The federal government will do everything it takes to get incriminating information. Knowing your rights is key to getting information suppressed, which is where our San Antonio drug crime attorney comes in. At Amanda Hernandez Law, PLLC, we know what strategies federal agents will try to circumvent the law. Our criminal defense lawyer is not afraid to challenge the validity of evidence to safeguard your freedom. To schedule your initial consultation, contact our office online or by calling (210) 369-4040 today.