Manassas, VA criminal defense attorney Steve Duckett talks about the prosecutorial trends faced in drug cases. He explains that one of the greatest challenges in criminal defense today is fentanyl. While it is often sold as a standalone drug, fentanyl is frequently disguised as other substances—pills stamped to resemble medications such as Adderall—to evade detection by law enforcement. In many cases, drugs like marijuana are tested in a lab only to reveal the presence of fentanyl, a substance so potent that a single dose can be fatal.

Although not every exposure results in death, the high-profile nature of fentanyl overdoses creates intense pressure on prosecutors, who are reluctant to be perceived as lenient. Tragically, victims often include unsuspecting individuals, such as teenagers, who consume what they believe to be another substance.

Because of its lethality and widespread prevalence, law enforcement and prosecutors treat fentanyl cases more severely than other drug offenses. Significant distribution charges carry especially harsh consequences, reflecting the serious risks associated with this drug. Fentanyl has fundamentally changed the landscape of drug prosecution, requiring a distinct and careful approach in defense.