Drug charges are prosecuted at either the federal or state levels, depending on the case’s specific circumstances. Factors like where the drugs were found (such as at the border or on your person), the number of drugs found, and the type of drugs found will impact the severity of the charges. Higher quantities usually cause law enforcement to pursue charges like trafficking or drug distribution, and the class of drugs will increase the severity of the charges.
For example, possessing two ounces or less of marijuana (Class B drug) is a misdemeanor. If convicted, you could face up to 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine. More than four grams of a Class A drug like cocaine or methamphetamine is a felony that can land you in jail for decades, along with financially crippling fines of up to tens of thousands of dollars. The best option is to work with an experienced attorney who can help improve your odds, and in cases where you stayed silent, you could get the charges dismissed.
Tips For Police Interaction:
If you get pulled over by the police, staying quiet is always crucial. Only identify yourself with your driver’s license and provide proof of insurance. Keeping your documents in order whenever you drive will help avoid additional charges and unnecessary conversations with law enforcement. Never consent to search, but be polite. Even if you aren’t doing anything illegal, someone like a friend you drove with or a mechanic who just made an oil change could leave a pill or a joint in your car. You can never be sure, but the police will still hold you responsible. Even if the contraband is not yours, you can still be charged with possessing it.
