Are You Facing Criminal Drug Charges? Call 1-800-ATTORNEY Today!
Criminal drug charges commonly deal with the possession, manufacturing, delivery, trafficking, and/or the illicit dealing of controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription medications of various types.
The penalties for those crimes can include probation, drug court, county jail, or time in the state or federal prison system. There are also a couple of programs that allow the offender to go through treatment and/or deferment programs and have the case dismissed after completion. These programs are not available to every defendant, but by hiring an attorney, you’ll ensure that you have the best chance at a successful outcome.
To speak with an attorney about your case right now, call us at 1-800-ATTORNEY. While we may not be able to help with every type of case, we’re happy to answer your questions and advise you of your legal options.
Drug Crime Defense Lawyers
There are federal and state laws that are designed to prosecute those who commit drug crimes. Sometimes state laws may be narrower than federal laws (which are acceptable provided they do not conflict with federal drug laws). In most cases, federal drug crimes carry sentences longer than those of individual states. In fact, in some cases, state charges may even result in short-term sentences or probation.
It doesn’t matter what type of drug crime an individual has been charged with; any drug conviction on a person’s record carries serious consequences including the inability to find a job, housing, and more. You only get one shot at your defense, and it’s strongly-advised that you at least consult with an attorney to learn the legal options available to you.
While there are a variety of drug crimes with which a person can be charged, the following list includes the most common ones:
Drug Possession
Laws on drug possession are different among the states and depend upon the type of drug and the amount that is involved. One thing is very clear, however: it is illegal under both federal and state statutes to be in possession of any controlled substance such as heroin, marijuana, or cocaine. An individual found in possession of an illegal drug can face charges of simple possession or possession with intent to sell/distribute. This depends on the quantity involved.
Drug possession laws may include drug paraphernalia charges as well. Paraphernalia refers to any type of equipment a drug user or distributor might use to prepare, inhale, inject, conceal, or produce drugs (e.g., pipes, bongs, rolling papers, syringes, etc).
Drug Manufacturing / Delivery
An individual can be charged with manufacturing if he or she is involved in any production of an illicit drug. It is illegal under both federal and state laws to deliver any illicit drug, but the problem is in most cases the prosecutors must prove the defendant intended to manufacture and possess the drug in order to secure a conviction against a drug manufacturer.
The cultivation and manufacturing of marijuana varies from state to state because of regulations regarding medicinal and personal use.
Drug Trafficking
Under laws concerning drug trafficking and distribution, it is against the law to sell, transport, and import any controlled substance such as cocaine, marijuana, meth, and more. The sentence for drug trafficking may range anywhere between three years to life in prison.
Drug Dealing
Drug dealing usually refers to selling illegal drugs on a smaller scale than is involved with trafficking. Trafficking and dealing are defined differently under both state and federal ordinances. According to the DEA, the penalty for selling less than 50 grams of marijuana can bring a sentence of five years and a $250,000, fine while a sale of 1,000 kilograms can lead to a much stricter sentence: 10 years or more (up to and including life).
Your Legal Options Moving Forward
As I’m sure you understand, drug charges can have serious repercussions. A criminal record can follow you for the rest of your life, which is why it is vitally-important to take this charge very seriously. Through a criminal defense attorney, you may be able to have the charges and fines reduced or even dismissed. Every case is unique, but your attorney can advise you of your options moving forward, and advocate on your behalf to give you every opportunity for a successful resolution.
To discuss the facts of your case with an attorney today, call 1-800-ATTORNEY.
