Drug Crimes

A drug crime is a criminal offense that involves controlled substances. These include various manmade and naturally occurring substances that are regulated by the government, such as marijuana, prescription drugs, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, methamphetamine and various other narcotics.

There are a number of different crimes that may be related to controlled substances. Some of these include:
Possession
One may face criminal charges for possessing an illegal drug or for unlawfully possessing a prescription drug without a valid prescription. Penalties for this offense will vary greatly depending on the type of drug and the amount.

Cultivation
 Except for in certain circumstances where it is recognized for its medicinal value, one may face arrest and felony charges for growing marijuana. 

Manufacturing
 Certain drugs may be created through specific chemical processes, and offenses of this nature are referred to as manufacturing. This is one of the more serious drug crimes that a person may be accused of committing and is typically charged as a felony.

Sale / Distribution
 It is illegal to sell or distribute controlled substances. Drug crimes of this kind are often charged as felonies, and if committed within a certain distance of a school or church, a defendant may face increased penalties. 

Trafficking
 Typically the most serious type of drug offense a person may be accused of committing, drug trafficking may involve a number of different actions related to importing, exporting, smuggling, selling and manufacturing narcotics. 
Driving Under the Influence
Though most people associate DUI with alcohol, a driver may face criminal charges for driving under the influence of drugs as well. This may apply to prescription drugs, over-the-counter medication and illegal narcotics. 

About Controlled Substances and Drug Crimes

Controlled substances include a great number of narcotics, such as: methamphetamine (meth), cocaine, heroin, marijuana, speed, ecstacy and opiates. Some drugs are created using substances or plants found in nature (such as marijuana or peyote) and others are created using chemical procedures (such as meth).

Drug crimes are serious offenses which can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, and a conviction (depending upon the jurisdiction and the specific charges) may result in imprisonment in county jail or state prison, fines, drug rehabilitation, counseling, probation, community service and more. The serious nature of these crimes and the considerable impact they may have on all aspects of your life make involving a criminal defense lawyer all the more important.

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