Understanding your state laws regulating drug categories, possession, and intent to supply is crucial. It’s not just drug dealers the police arrest if they catch them. Carrying drugs for personal use could imprison you or demand a considerable fine.
A drug crime entails the violation of laws governing the use, manufacture, possession, or distribution of drugs classified as illicit substances by the US Federal or state governments. Examples of such narcotics include; cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines.
This article will clear up any questions you may have about drug crime types and why it’s essential to seek help from an experienced criminal defense attorney near you.
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Types of Drug Crimes Explained
Drug-defined offenses involve offenses that directly counteract laws governing illicit drug use, possession, manufacture, or distribution. For instance, there’re laws against possessing and distributing drugs. Therefore, if caught transporting cocaine, meth or any other controlled substance disguising it as ordinary luggage, it will be counted as a drug-defined offense.
A drug crime that does not directly violate a specific law regulating the manufacture, possession, or distribution is called a drug-related offense. An example is when a person who has taken drugs commits a crime like assault. Another example is stealing to get money to buy drugs or shooting a rival drug dealer.
Some of the most common drug crimes include:
1. Possession of Drugs
Carrying controlled drugs is illegal, and the police can charge you whether the drugs are yours or not. It doesn’t matter if you didn’t know you’re carrying controlled drugs. A person possessing illegal drugs may face charges based on the number of narcotics contained or with simple possession or intent to distribute the drugs.
2. Drug Production
If you’re involved in producing a controlled drug, either by providing a premise or equipment for use, you can face a charge with drug production. The crime charge will be after you’re proven to know you’re producing a controlled drug. If the produced drugs are prepared and ready for distribution, depending on the quantity and location, you may face charges of possession with the intent to supply.
3. Importation or Exportation
You’re committing a criminal offense if you have controlled drugs with an intent to import or export. It’s illegal and against state laws.
4. Administering a Dangerous Drug
You could face a criminal charge if you help someone take illegal drugs. Administering could be assisting someone in anesthetizing, distributing narcotics, or applying an injection to someone.
5. Drug Trafficking
El Chapo, the CEO of the Sinaloa cartel, is a worldwide drug trafficking syndicate accountable for about 25% of all illegal drugs that enter the US through Mexico. It’s an illicit trade entailing the cultivation, selling, or exchanging of scheduled drugs subject to drug prohibition laws. Drug trafficking is typically charged as a felony and is more severe if it entails a large amount or when the trafficked drugs cause a person’s death.
Where to Seek Help for Drug Charges
If you’re arrested and accused of drug possession, ensure you contact a criminal defense lawyer who can represent you. You can hire a Phoenix drug lawyer or a qualified criminal defense attorney from your particular location to protect your rights and represent you in court.
Defense lawyers specialize in drug crime cases, and they know the laws and how best to defend their clients. Even if you’re innocent, drug possession charges can have significant consequences. That’s why hiring an attorney to help investigate the evidence, make arguments in your defense, and represent you at trial to get charges dropped or lowered depending on the drug crime committed is crucial.
