A person who is facing drug charges can benefit from having a lawyer who has ample experience in defending drug-related crimes. There are different drug crimes from drug trafficking to drug possession, drug possession with the purpose of trafficking, and drug cultivation with severe consequences. Laws on drug-related crimes vary from state to state depending on the type of drug and the amount.
Possession of illicit controlled substances like marijuana, cocaine, and heroin is a crime under federal and state laws. If a person is found out to be in possession of an illegal drug, he can be charged with simple possession or possession with the intent to distribute. A charge of simple possession means that a person possesses a small number of drugs. Meanwhile, large possession of drugs can be construed as possession with the purpose of trafficking that has harsher penalties.
Possession of drug paraphernalia can also be included in the drug possession charge. Drug paraphernalia is used to describe equipment that is used to prepare, inject, inhale or conceal and prepare illegal drugs like bongs, pipes, rolling papers, and syringes. However, one of the issues faced by law enforcement is drug paraphernalia that is made to look as if they are for legal purposes. Bongs usually include labelling that states that they are designed for tobacco use.
Drug manufacturing is a type of drug crime that involves the production of illegal drugs. Similarly, delivery of an illicit drug is also considered a crime under federal and state laws. Prosecutors have to prove the intent to manufacture and deliver in order to convict an alleged drug manufacturer. However, manufacturers and cultivators of marijuana are treated differently from illegal drug manufacturers because there are states where marijuana is used for medical purposes.
Drug trafficking and distribution laws make it illegal to sell, transport, and import illegally controlled substances that include cocaine and marijuana. Drug trafficking and distribution are considered as a more serious crime (felony) than drug possession because it usually involves the transport of a large number of illegal drugs. However, law enforcement usually believes that possession of large amounts of drugs includes the intent to sell the narcotics so that they charge the person with drug distribution. The sentence for drug trafficking is anywhere from 3 years to life imprisonment.
Drug dealing means selling illegal drugs on a smaller scale. The punishment is less severe than selling large amounts of drugs. Selling less than 50 grams of marijuana can result in a sentence of up to 5 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine according to federal laws. Selling 1,000 kilograms of marijuana can result in a sentence of 10 years or more than life.
If you, a friend, or a family member is charged with a drug crime, it is important to get professional help for your best interests. Penalties for drug crimes can be particularly severe often including prison time. Drug Crimes Lawyers jacksonville fl believe that there are different circumstances surrounding every situation. Professional lawyers were able to successfully secure the withdrawal of charges, reduced sentences, and reasonable plea bargains for their clients.
