Unfortunately, drug charges are common and can also commonly lead to long prison sentences which can result in the loss of freedom and future for accused individuals. Because of the serious impact of drug charges, it is important for accused individuals to be familiar with how to exercise their criminal defense rights.
The penalties associated with a drug charge can depend on the type of drug, the amount of drug and what type of drug charge the accused individual is facing. Accused individuals can face drug charges including drug possession charges; charges for selling drugs; drug trafficking or drug distribution charges; or charges for manufacturing drugs. Illegal drugs that accused individuals may face criminal charges associated with include marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine and other illegal drugs as well.
In addition to criminal charges associated with illegal drugs, accused individuals can also face potential drug charges related to prescription drugs in some circumstances. In circumstances when prescription drugs are illegally obtained, distributed or possessed without a valid prescription, accused individuals may face serious criminal charges associated with prescription drugs. Whatever the drug charges are that accused individuals may be facing, potential penalties and consequences can include jail time, fines and a criminal record which can impact employment, education and housing opportunities.
As a result, it is essential to be familiar with criminal defense options which may focus on a variety of different challenges to the charges the accused individual is facing with the goal of mitigating the potential penalties and consequences being faced. Criminal defense options protect accused individuals which is why it is essential to be familiar with what criminal defense rights are.