Drug offenses range from simple possession to far more serious trafficking charges. Every state has slightly different rules regarding drug offenses that largely mirror federal statutes. More serious charges are generally felony offenses that carry long prison sentences.
There are dozens of controlled substances, many of which are outright prohibited. Others are only legal to use and possess under the guidance of a licensed medical professional. Drug trafficking charges are usually felony offenses that carry significant criminal penalties for the person accused. There are actually a number of different actions that could lead to the state accusing an individual of trafficking instead of possession.
1. Manufacturing drugs
There are numerous ways to manufacture drugs. Some drugs are natural substances. People may face trafficking charges for cultivating plants or fungi that are prohibited on their own behalf or used to manufacture other substances, like poppies. Drug manufacturing could also entail chemical acts intended to convert legal substances, such as certain types of cough medicines, into illegal substances, including methamphetamine.
2. Transporting drugs
Drug trafficking often involves the act of transporting a prohibited substance from one location to another. The people who manufacture or cultivate drugs frequently do not distribute them directly. They may arrange for others to transport the drugs to larger markets or to buyers. Those caught transporting large quantities of drugs could face criminal charges for drug trafficking. If they cross state lines with drugs, they might be at risk of federal drug trafficking prosecution.
3. Distributing drugs
Drug trafficking also refers to the action of selling drugs. That process might involve selling directly to individual consumers or transferring large quantities to a person or organization known to distribute drugs to individuals. It is important to note that the state can also prosecute those who possess drugs with the intention to distribute them to others with trafficking offenses. The state does not need to catch the defendant in the act or have proof that they have previously transferred drugs to others for trafficking charges to be an option.
Drug trafficking allegations can lead to felony drug charges that could carry life-altering criminal consequences for the defendant. Fighting back assertively is typically the best option for those accused of violating state or federal drug laws.