Drug-related crimes have also risen in that time frame. Drug possession has its own penalty category and is not covered under the harsh sentencing guidelines for drug trafficking and manufacturing. Drug possession can either be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on how large an amount is possessed.
A first offense for simple possession carries up to 30 days in jail or a $500 fine, while if it’s deemed as part of group activity such as sharing among friends, the prosecution may charge with intent to distribute, which could lead to one-year incarceration and $2,000 fine even for small amounts. Possession with intent to manufacture or distribute can lead to a three-year sentence or more.
Many things can go wrong and put you in a position of being at the “wrong place, wrong time.” If you are caught with a drug possession charge, a drug possession lawyer will review the case and may be the only way out of the situation. The main thing to remember is that you must comply with the courts and follow instructions from your attorney.
A Drug Possession Lawyer Can Help
Many people are interested in finding out whether they can get out of their charges for drug possession. The best way to find out is by consulting with an attorney who specializes in these cases. A drug possession lawyer will know the best way to fight the charges and reveal weaknesses in the case presented by the prosecution, resulting in dropped charges. An attorney will also help lessen any potential penalties that may be handed down if you are found guilty of possession charges.
If you have been arrested and charged with drug possession, it is crucial to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Drug possession is a serious crime resulting in jail time and expensive fines. A drug possession lawyer can help you understand your rights and advise how to proceed. Drug possession lawyers may be able to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor or represent you in court, depending on the circumstances of your case. Drug possession lawyers may also be able to help you get your record expunged if the charge is dismissed or you are found not guilty.
If this is your first offense, some states allow defendants to seek treatment instead of jail time under certain conditions. Drug courts are one option that aims to rehabilitate offenders through supervised treatment rather than sending them to prison for non-violent drug offenses.
Not the First Offense in Drug Possession Charges
If you have faced drug possession charges before, you may be wondering if Drug Court is still an option for you. Drug Court is a voluntary program that offers eligible defendants the opportunity to dismiss their charges upon successful completion of the program. Drug Court typically involves regular court appearances, random drug testing, and treatment or rehabilitation programs.
A drug possession lawyer can help you determine if Drug Court is still an option for you. If Drug Court is not available or does not seem like the best fit for you, your lawyer can work with prosecutors to get your charges reduced or even dropped. With the help of an experienced lawyer, you can fight your drug possession charges and secure the best possible outcome for your case.
However, keep in mind, it does not look good with additional charges or more than one of the same offenses. Some courts will look at other offenses to see if you are a habitual offender. The chances are lessened if the client continues on the path of crime that the courts will show any type of mercy. When it comes to drug charges, the state law is the final word, and most courts seek the harshest sentences with any drug charge.
Why Are Some States Harsher on Drug Possession Charges?
In most states, drug possession is a misdemeanor offense. However, a few states have harsher penalties for drug possession charges. For example, in Louisiana, drug possession is a felony offense and can result in five years in prison. In Texas, drug possession can result in up to two years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
So why are some states harsher on drug possession charges? There are a few reasons. First, some states have stricter laws when it comes to drugs. For example, Louisiana has a “three strikes” law for drug offenses. This means that if you are convicted of three drug offenses, you will be sentenced to life in prison.
Second, some states are trying to crack down on the drug epidemic. Drug possession can be a way to get drugs off the street and into treatment programs.
Finally, some states have more funding for drug prevention and treatment programs than other states. This means that more resources are available to help people with addiction problems.
Life After Drug Possession Charges
Being convicted of drug possession charges can affect the accused, including jail time, house arrest, probation, fines, and other penalties. Drug possession charges are prevalent for users who perhaps didn’t possess all the intended qualities necessary to use it safely. Drug addiction is not someone else’s problem or illness; it is your own responsibility that you take care of yourself first before you hurt others. Drug possession charges are widespread among addicts because they don’t know how to control their drug consumption or behavior once they start taking them regularly.
Perhaps the stiffest penalty of it all realizes that the offenders’ lives are changed forever. Records will haunt them for the rest of their lives and make it more challenging to get homes, properties, vehicles, jobs, and all the essentials needed.
