Criminal Defense Law Firms
Being charged with a drug crime is always a serious matter, even if it is a seemingly minor charge with light penalties. A drug conviction can affect your future in ways you would never imagine, potentially barring you from certain careers and robbing you of other opportunities. Drug laws vary from state to state including what constitutes a crime as well as the penalties involved. If you have been charged with a drug crime or believe that you will be, you need to talk to a criminal defense lawyer who is experience in handling drug cases in your state.
Don’t wait. Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you right away.
Types of Drug Charges
There are a number of possible drug charges and they are different in each state. Some of the most common charges include:
- Drug possession
- Possession with intent to sell
- Manufacturing
- Distributing
- Drug trafficking
- Possession of paraphernalia
- Prescription drug fraud
- Distributing drugs to minors
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Federal drug crimes
Possession and Possession with Intent to Sell
Although simple possession is one of the most minor drug charges, it can be far more serious than you may expect. The type of drug makes a difference. For instance, possession of a small amount of marijuana is a misdemeanor in most states, but in Arizona it is a felony. With other drugs, in many states, possession of any amount is a felony.
Possession with intent to sell is a much more serious charge than simple possession. And we need to make it very clear, this has nothing to do with whether you actually intended to sell the drugs or if they were only intended for personal use. It is entirely of how your state defines intent to sell. Each state has its own definition. Common factors used to establish intent include:
- The amount of the drug
- If the drug is broken down into several packages
- Possession of paraphernalia commonly associated with drug sales, such as scales or baggies
Factors that can Make Charges More Serious
Any type of drug charge may be escalated to a much more serious offense if certain factors are involved. Examples of the types of circumstances that can affect your case include:
- The presence of a child
- The crime took place in a “drug-free zone” such as in or near a school
- Weapons were involved or present
- This is not your first offense
- You were on probation or parole, out on bond, or under a restraining order, and abstinence from drugs was a condition
If you are facing drug charges, please search our directory of criminal defense law firms to find an experienced drug attorney in your area.