Drug distribution or trafficking is punishable by federal and state laws. These laws criminalize the illegal sale, transportation, and importation of illegal controlled substances, such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and other illegal drugs. Many drug-related crimes are considered felonies. The minimum sentences for first-time drug offenders can range from one year to ten years in a prison.
Punishment for drug-related crimes can also include fines ranging from five hundred to several thousand dollars. Repeat offenders are typically sentenced to a minimum of 3 to 15 years in prison. If you are found with a large amount of drugs or cash at the time of your arrest, you are likely to face drug distribution charges. The legalization of marijuana by some states has hindered drug trafficking laws.
The drugs found in each category are based on the drug's potential for abuse and dependence compared to its therapeutic or medical value. Common examples of illegal drugs include heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, ecstasy, certain prescription drugs, and drug-related paraphernalia (e.g., a prosecutor can demonstrate a defendant's intention to distribute drugs simply by showing that he has a certain amount of the drug in possession). Legislators generally pass these laws to deter major drug cartels, but lower-level traffickers are most often prosecuted. Punishment for drug trafficking can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the type and quantity of drugs used, the geographical area of distribution, and whether children were attacked or not.
Both state and federal laws classify drugs into five different categories called “Lists” (lists I through V).
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