Although you may think that you will only face a misdemeanor charge if you are caught with drugs in your possession, you could quickly see those charges increased to drug distribution if you are in possession of a large amount of drugs at the time of your arrest. Even if you are caught with only a small amount of drugs initially, but have a large amount of cash on your person or at the scene, you could find yourself facing felony charges of drug distribution instead of a misdemeanor.
The punishment for drug distribution, which is sometimes referred to as drug trafficking, can vary greatly. Before you will be charged and sentenced, the police and court will take into account what type of drugs were involved, how much of the drug you had in your possession when you were arrested and how big of a geographic area the distribution of the drug encompassed. The police will also take into account whether children were part of the distribution either as buyers or even simply present in the home.
You may think that drug distribution only involves unlawful controlled substances, such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana or other illegal types of manufactured drugs such as methamphetamine, but you can be charged with illegal distribution of prescription drugs too. Narcotics such as oxycotin and hydrocodone are two of the more popular prescription drugs that are commonly found during drug arrests.
Defendants who are facing drug charges or those interested in learning more about drug possession and drug distribution laws, may find it helpful to visit our website.