The Three Types of Drug Crimes You Should Know About

Drug crimes can compromise your freedom, reputation, and future prospects. Anyone charged or those who wish to be better informed about the law must first understand the several types of drug crimes. Usually based on the type and degree of the crime, drug offenses carry different penalties. Three of the most often occurring forms of drug crimes—possession, trafficking, and manufacturing—will be covered in this post.

Drug Possession

The most common charge linked to drugs in the legal system is drug possession. It happens when someone is caught carrying illicit drugs including cocaine, methamphetamines, marijuana, or another regulated substance.

In these circumstances, finding a drug crime lawyer is crucial. An experienced lawyer can navigate the legal system, evaluate the evidence against you, and advocate for lowered fines or charge dismissal.

Although possession seems like a small crime, it can cause major legal problems particularly if the drugs discovered are substantial or if the person has past convictions.

Penalties for possession vary depending on the following:

• The kind of drug
• The quantity discovered
• Whether the person meant to distribute the substance

Some drugs, even in minute quantities, can have major legal repercussions. Possession of cocaine, heroin, or high quantities of marijuana, for instance, might result in felony charges with long prison sentences and heavy fines.

Drug Trafficking

Generally involving the illegal transportation, sale, or distribution of controlled substances, drug trafficking is a more serious crime than possession. Many times, this crime is connected to well-organized criminal activities whereby drugs are transported across states, cities, or even international boundaries. Usually based on the quantity of drugs in issue, trafficking charges reflect their severity.

Considered a felony, drug trafficking carries far tougher penalties than charges for possession. Those found guilty of trafficking might have to pay steep fines, spend decades in prison, or suffer other long-term effects including asset or property forfeiture connected to the crime. Since federal law enforcement authorities are typically involved in trafficking charges, the fines are especially severe.

Certain states have mandated minimum sentences for drug trafficking, thus even first-time offenders may be sentenced to long terms should they be found guilty. In some countries, for instance, being caught with significant quantities of cocaine or heroin can lead to sentences spanning ten years.

Drug Manufacturing

Drug manufacture is the illegal drug creation process. Growing, manufacturing, or synthesizing controlled drugs including methamphetamines, marijuana, or other narcotics falls under this crime.

Manufacturing charges also apply to those who create synthetic drugs like ecstasy or fentanyl in illicit drug laboratories. Drug manufacture is regarded as a very serious offense due to the hazards involved, including the possibility for explosions or chemical exposure.

Those accused of manufacturing drugs sometimes face felony charges, which could lead to protracted incarceration. Penalties are especially severe if manufacturing occurs close to sensitive areas like schools. Authorities see drug manufacture as a major threat to public health and safety, thus this crime usually results in severe penalties.

Should one be found guilty, people might be imprisoned for decades and pay enormous fines. In these cases, having an experienced attorney can make a big difference since legal defenses might contest the evidence or the techniques applied in the inquiry.

Another element that can raise manufacturing charges is a large-scale operation, in which people are caught manufacturing notable amounts of drugs for distribution. This increases the possibility of federal charges, which might lead to even more harsh penalties, including life imprisonment.