What is a felony drug conviction?

What is a felony drug conviction?

Felony charges for drug possession often result when a defendant has possessed a particular illegal substance, or any illegal possession of a certain quantity of specified drugs. For example, in most states, possessing any amount of heroin (a Schedule I substance) is a felony.

What is considered a drug offense?

A drug offence is an offence that involves a prohibited drug. Prohibited drugs include but are not limited to cannabis, cocaine, MDMA, GHB and a range other lesser known substances. We have listed some of the most common drug-related offences in NSW below.

What kind of charge is a drug charge?

Most instances of drug possession get charged as misdemeanors. The crime is punishable by: imprisonment in county jail for up to one year, and/or. a maximum fine of $1,000.

What is the most common illegal drug charge?

Possession of a controlled substance is usually the springboard for other types of drug charges. If the arresting officer has reason to believe you had intent to distribute illegal substances, then a drug distribution charge may be added. Possession charges are the most common type of drug charge.

Can a felony drug charge be dropped?

Drugs classified as addictive or dangerous fall under felonies. Some felony drug charges can be dismissed under 7411, and offenders may obtain probation and avoid jail time.

Can you go to jail for possession of drugs?

Jail or prison time is also possible when a person is convicted of possession of a controlled substance. Jail sentences range widely depending on the crime charged, the type of drugs involved, and the state’s laws, but can range from a few days or weeks to 10 years or more in prison. Probation.

What are examples of drug Offences?

For illegal drugs, common offences include:

• possession (this can include equipment for growing, making or using drugs)
• use.
• making (this includes growing)
• importing.
• selling or supplying (known as trafficking)

What is a level 4 drug charge?

Level 4: Level 4 carries a minimum sentence of 6 months and/or a $1,000 fine, a maximum sentence of 1 year and/or a $100,000 fine, and a mandatory period of parole of 1 year.

Can you be charged for selling drugs in the past?

If you have used illegal drugs, whether “hard” or marijuana, and possess drug paraphernalia that contains residue from these drugs, you can be charged with possession. This is true even if your drug use was long in the past.

How can a drug trafficking charge be dismissed?

If you can establish that the search was illegal, or even that the drugs were planted on you by the police themselves, your charges will be dismissed for reasons of incompetence or corruption. Evidence of corruption could also include threats of violence, faking evidence, or ignoring proper procedures.

What is the crime of drug possession in the United States?

Drug Possession Drug possession is the crime of willfully possessing illegal substances, such as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin. Drug possession accounts for over 80 percent of all drug-related arrests in the United States, according to the Department of Justice.

Can a defendant know that a drug is illegal?

Second, the defendant must have known, or reasonably should have known, that the substance he or she was carrying is actually illegal.

When does a drug charge become a felony?

The point when a drug charge cross over from a simple misdemeanor to a defending a felony charge has to do with how much there is, what kind of drugs, and whether it was being sold or trafficked. Possession of a drug is much more likely to be a misdemeanor than when drugs have been transferred from one person or place to another.

Can a person not be charged with drug possession?

First, the defendant must have known that he or she was carrying the drug or substance at issue. For instance, if a man borrows his friend’s car and, when stopped by police, it is discovered that there are drugs concealed in the car, the man may not be charged with drug possession if he can show he had no idea the car contained drugs.