Drugs Under Government Supervision and Legal Implications of Drug Charges
Drug addiction can become a negative drive in an individual’s life. Dependence on illicit substances destroys both the mental and physical state of an individual. Authorities aim to guard the general public against the tough effects of drug abuse and ignite the campaign against drugs through the laws enforced on the land. Drug charges are often made against individuals that possess illegal substances. The differences within the penalties would be determined by the quantity of the substance involved and therefore, the intention behind the possession of the banned drugs.
The charges involved in drug cases would be identified through the person’s intent. The fees can have lighter penalties to decades-long jail time. If the person owns, sells, manufactures, or transports drugs, the individual is going to be subjected to the law. However, there are times that an individual doesn't have any illegal intent in carrying substances and was caught within the middle of a case. Regardless of the circumstances, an individual getting drug charges needs an experienced drug defense attorney to assist the defendant to increase the chances of a lighter sentence.
Drugs Under Restrictions
A drug refers to the type of substance that is under the rigid surveillance and restrictions of the government. The rationale for the government restrictions is because of the drugs’ ability to influence a person’s state of mind and physiological state. These substances can cause dependency resulting in substance abuse or addiction. The control of the authorities applies to the way the drug is handled, stored, distributed, and used.
The substances that are under restricted governance include steroids, hallucinogens, opioids, stimulants, and depressants. Substances like Ritalin, Valium, and morphine are used for medical purposes. These substances may only be prescribed by a licensed physician or pharmacist. Illicit drugs like LSD and heroin do not contain any medical use which makes the substances completely illegal.
Legal Consequences of Drugs
People that are involved in the illegal trade and possession of controlled substances are going to be subjected to varied repercussions. The jails across the United States are crammed with convicts that have drug charges. The penalties associated with drug crimes are probation, community service, heavy fines, jail time, and possible confinement. The worst effect of a drug charge is the incontrovertible fact that an individual will have a record regardless of how light the penalties are. An individual convicted of a drug crime will have a record that will make it difficult to have employment, loan approvals, and any other civilian rights.
The Legality of A Drug Usage
The legal use of a drug depends on the usage of the substance and the application it's used for. An example is an amphetamine where it's used for medical purposes as it helps treat attention deficit disorder. Another substance that has legal use is marijuana where it can help relieve cancer-induced nausea. Barbiturates help the treatment of anxiety. If these substances are gained illegally with no prescription from licensed professionals or unsupervised usage, it will present a risk to the person and the public. This is often why the law is regulating the usage of those drugs to avoid any abuse or addiction to the substance.
Federal and State Laws
The US features a longstanding fight against illegal drugs about combating abuse or distribution of illicit drugs. PewTrusts.org stated that most of the federal convictions are associated with drug trafficking. State arrests are made on drug possession charges. An enormous portion of these local charges is said to be associated with marijuana possession charges.
The major difference between the federal and state laws when it involves drug cases is the intensity of the sentences. Federal charges would cause longer jail time and heftier penalties. State arrests, especially when the case is simple possession are often charged with a misdemeanor and a probation sentence. State convictions can have a shorter time in jail or a fine. The state sentences are often affected by the person’s criminal history.
People facing drug charges are advised to hire an experienced drug defense attorney. A defense lawyer can help the defendant navigate through the system and help negotiate a lighter sentence or penalty. The system is often confusing especially for defendants who are getting into trouble for the first time but having a reliable legal team will ease the stress of the proceedings.
