Drugs are known to be a danger to public health, but unfortunately, there are still countless people manufacturing, selling and using narcotics. Whether you were caught with an ounce of marijuana or accused of involvement with a drug ring, you should know what kinds of charges might result and how to handle the situation. A conviction will disrupt your entire life, and you need to understand your case.
The following are three types of drug-related crimes and what you should know if you have been charged with them. Consulting with a legal representative is wise if you are facing criminal charges of any kind, but it is particularly prudent in cases involving drugs where the stakes may be high.
1. Drug possession
Possession is typically the least serious charge one can get involving drugs. If you have a run-in with law enforcement and you are found to have a controlled substance on your person, this is likely the charge you will receive. According to NORML, however, this charge could still result in a sentence of up to 30 years and a felony charge for possession of marijuana plants in Florida.
2. Drug trafficking
Trafficking is a more serious charge than possession, usually, and it is typically applied in cases where an international exchange of narcotics has taken place. You might be charged with this crime if you have been supposedly caught transporting drugs from the point of manufacture to the point of distribution. This is a felony charge, and as such, should be taken seriously.
3. Drug manufacturing
Also a felony, drug manufacturing is a fairly straightforward charge that is levied against an individual suspected of creating or growing a controlled substance. If you are alleged to play any part in the cultivation of narcotics, you might be hit with this charge. The severity and sentence depend on what kind of drug and how much of it you are charged with manufacturing.
