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Charged After a Sting? You Have Rights.
Attempting or Conspiring to Commit a Federal Drug Offense Attorney San Diego
Talk to a real, live attorney if you were arrested for trying or agreeing to commit a federal drug crime. Get clear answers and a plan.
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By Jason Ronis, Criminal Defense Attorney · CA Bar #229628Updated November 2026
Federal law treats trying or agreeing to commit a drug crime as seriously as doing it. Under 21 USC 846 and 21 USC 963, the penalty can match the full crime, even if no real drugs were involved. Many of these cases start with an undercover agent or informant. Jason Ronis Law defends them in San Diego. Call or text {PHONE}, free, day or night.
What Does Attempting or Conspiring to Commit a Federal Drug Offense Mean?
An attempt means you tried to commit a drug crime and took a real step toward it. A conspiracy means you agreed with someone to commit it. You can be charged even if no drugs were ever delivered. 21 USC 846 covers these charges inside the U.S. 21 USC 963 covers bringing drugs in or out, which matters at the border.
Attempt vs. Conspiracy: The Difference in Plain Words
| Attempt | Conspiracy | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | You tried and took a real step | You agreed with someone |
| Who is needed | Just you | At least two real people |
| Must drugs exist? | No | No |
| Not enough alone | Only planning or talk | Only being near the people |
Same Punishment as the Real Crime: What You Could Face
The law gives attempts and conspiracies the same penalties as the drug crime that was the goal. The amount involved can set minimum sentences of 5 or 10 years. In sting cases, the amount you discussed can matter even if the drugs were fake. See conspiracy to distribute or manufacture drugs for the penalty chart.
Government Stings and Fake-Drug Cases in San Diego: Were You Pushed?
In a sting, an undercover agent or informant sets up a deal. Sometimes the “drugs” are fake. Some stings use a made-up “stash house” robbery. If the government pushed you into something you were not ready to do, entrapment may be a defense. We study who started it, how hard they pushed, what they offered, and your history.
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More Ways We Defend Attempt and Conspiracy Charges
- No real partner. If the only “partner” was an agent or informant, there may be no conspiracy.
- Only talk. Planning or bragging is not always an attempt.
- Recordings and texts. Context matters. We check Spanish translations for mistakes. We speak Spanish.
- Illegal searches or wiretaps.
- Drug amount. We challenge weights and what was “agreed.”
- Smaller role and safety valve to reduce time.
Border Cases: Conspiracy to Import and Attempted Import at San Ysidro and Otay Mesa
Under 21 USC 963, trying or agreeing to bring drugs across the border carries the same penalties as importing them. We defend these cases, including the blind mule defense. See border arrest attorney, what to do if arrested at San Ysidro, border drug bust defense, and CBP arrests.
What to Do Right Now If Agents Contacted You or You Were Arrested After a Sting
Write down what happened while you remember it. Then read what happens after a federal drug arrest and facing drug charges in San Diego. Federal cases in San Diego are heard in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, at 333 W. Broadway.
What Clients Say
Real Google reviews from people who called us when they were scared and unsure.
“He communicated clearly, guided me through every step, and fought hard to get me the best possible outcome. I felt supported, informed, and never judged.”
Leah A.Google review“He is the lawyer you want on your side — relentless, strategic, and genuinely invested in achieving the best results.”
Ethan C.Google review“Jason and his team followed up extremely well during my whole process. He is very communicative and explored anything that I brought up.”
Jenny G.Google reviewReviews are from past clients. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
More Quick Answers
Short answers to other things people ask us.
What does attempting or conspiring to commit a federal drug offense mean?
Attempt means you tried and took a real step. Conspiracy means you agreed with someone. Call (619) 859-2002 for a free consultation.
Can I be charged if no drugs were involved?
Yes. In sting cases the drugs may be fake, and you can still be charged.
Is the punishment the same as the real crime?
Under 21 USC 846 and 963, yes. The penalty matches the drug crime that was the goal.
What is entrapment?
It is a defense when the government pushed a person into a crime they were not already willing to commit.
Can there be a conspiracy with only an informant?
Usually not. A conspiracy needs two real people who agree. This can be a strong defense.
What if my recorded calls were in Spanish?
Translations can be wrong. We review them. We speak Spanish.
Should I talk to agents?
No. Say you want a lawyer and call (619) 859-2002.
Do you handle border cases?
Yes, including conspiracy to import drugs at San Ysidro and Otay Mesa.
Do you speak Spanish?
Sí. Se habla español. Call or text (619) 859-2002.
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