It is a serious matter to be accused of a drug crime. Whether you’re accused of selling prescription drugs without a license to do so or are fighting allegations of distributing illicit substances, you could face serious penalties and even imprisonment if you’re convicted.
The thing to remember is that you are innocent until the prosecution is able to prove that you’re guilty. To do that, the prosecution has to show evidence that you committed the crime and know that you were doing so.
There are strong defenses to drug charges
There are several defenses that you may be able to use if you’re accused of drug charges. Some of those defenses may include:
- Lack of knowledge that you were in possession of a drug
- Being in possession of a drug with a legal prescription
- Being legally allowed to possess a drug due to maintaining a medical license
- Unlawful search and seizure
- Not having enough of the drug in your possession to warrant a charge
These and other defenses may work in your favor depending on your exact circumstances.
What kinds of penalties can you face for possessing narcotics?
If you were in possession of narcotics when you were stopped, you will face charges based on the drug’s schedule and how much you were in possession of. It is possible to face up to 15 years in prison and fines of $250,000 or more in narcotics cases, depending on the specific factors involved.
For example, if you are found in possession of a controlled substance, such as Vicodin or Meth, you could face:
- Up to a year in prison
- $5,000 in fines
That’s just for a first offense. If you’ve been convicted in the past, then you may face a longer prison sentence.
On top of this, if you’re accused of having drug paraphernalia or selling and distributing drugs, then the fines and penalties could increase. For drug paraphernalia, for example, you could face fines of up to $2,500 on top of other fines and penalties for other charges.
It’s important to know your rights and the penalties you face, so that you can build a defense. A good defense may go a long way in helping you protect your rights.