18 USC 924(c) Provides Harsh Penalties for Firearm and Drug Crimes

18 USC 924(c) is the federal law that governs the punishment of persons convicted of using pr possessing firearms in connection with the sale or distribution of controlled substances such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine and methamphetamines, or a a crime of violence.

Any person who possesses a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime or a crime of violence shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than 5 years; if the firearm is brandished, the term of imprisonment becomes not less than 7 years; if the firearm is discharged, the term of imprisonment becomes not less than 10 years. Second or subsequent convictions of this law result in a term of imprisonment of at least 25 years.

If the firearm possessed is a short-barreled shotgun or rifle, or a semiautomatic assault rifle, the term of imprisonment becomes not less than 10 years for the first conviction and not less than 25 years for second or subsequent convictions.

If the firearm possessed is a machine gun or a destructive device, or a firearm equipped with a silencer or muffler, the term of imprisonment becomes not less than 30 years for the first conviction and life imprisonment for second or subsequent convictions.

All sentences imposed for any violation of this statute are mandatory and run consecutive to any other sentence impose. Also, individuals convicted for violations of this statute are ineligible for probation.

Because the consequences of a conviction under this law are so punitive, anyone charged with violation of this law should obtain the best criminal defense attorney available, one who understands the law and will fight for the best result that can be obtained.