Drug Charges

Drugs are related to crime in many different ways.  It is a crime to manufacture, possess, use, or distribute illegal drugs.  Drugs are also linked to crime through the effects that drugs have on the user’s behavior and actions.  Some drugs breed violence and other illegal activities connected to drug trafficking.  Drug-related offenses and drug-using lifestyles are major contributors to the U.S. crime problem. 

Laws and Punishment

The law has many different statutes which penalize drug offenses, each of which carry their own punishment.  The length of the punishment depends on whether it is the first offense, whether violence is involved, the type and amount of the substance.  Some drug crimes charges include, but are not limited to:

• Possession of an illegal drug
• Possession for sale or distribution of illegal drugs
• Drug trafficking
• Drug manufacturing
• Prescription drug fraud

Consequences: Jail, Fines and Your Criminal Record

Drug crimes can carry serious criminal consequences. If you are arrested for a drug crime, you’ll likely be nervous about what is going to happen to you. How much time, if any, will you spend in jail? What is the court process like? Can you do treatment instead of jail? When a drug crimes charge is brought against you, you need an experienced drug crimes attorney in your corner. You need an attorney who will fight for your freedom and who will be unrelenting in the vigorous pursuit of your justice.

Talk to an Attorney

Only an experienced drug crimes attorney knows the legal options you may have as a defendant. You may be eligible for diversion programs, meaning you take drug classes and are placed on probation for a period of time. If you successfully complete the classes and have no problems while on probation, your case is dismissed and deemed never to have occurred. Even if you are not eligible for diversion, options such as drug court or negotiating for private rehabilitation programs may be available for you. Drug crime attorneys at Marcie Gardner know the options and are prepared to mount an effective defense for you.