Drug trafficking charges are serious criminal charges and carry potentially significant and stiff penalties and consequences. It is important for any accused individual facing them to understand what drug charges include, the penalties they are facing and their defense options.
Drug trafficking and distribution laws penalize the sale, transportation and illegal import of unlawful controlled substances. Unlawful controlled substances can include cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamines and other illegal drugs. In addition, these laws can also apply to prescription drugs if they are illegally obtained, possessed or distributed. Drug charges can include possession, trafficking and distribution charges.
Penalties for drug offenses can be stiff and can range from 3 to 5 years in prison to life in prison. Punishments for drug charges depend on the nature of the charges, the type and amount of drugs allegedly involved, where the drugs were distributed and if children were targeted by the alleged drug activity. Drug trafficking charges are more serious than drug possession charges and can be involved if the accused individual is found with large quantities of drugs, cash or paraphernalia authorities allege suggests drug trafficking activity.
Drug trafficking charges can be both federal and state charges but are all serious criminal charges which is why accused individuals should be familiar with their criminal defense options that may challenge the alleged facts, the substances involved or the activities of authorities. Because of the serious nature of drug charges and drug penalties, it is essential for accused individuals to be familiar with their criminal defense options and rights.
