Schedules Related to Drug Crime Enforcement

In 1970, the Controlled Substances Act was enacted, classifying narcotic substances into five “schedules.” Narcotics are therefore classified and assessed in great part by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).

The potential for abuse and medical applications for drugs determine how they are arranged by schedule. The medications with the greatest risks are listed in Schedule I, while those with the least potential for addiction are listed in Schedule V.

Certain designations on the list, particularly marijuana, which is a Schedule I drug, are the subject of some debate. For example, cannabis is classified in a higher schedule than cocaine, despite the feeling by some that it is not as addictive. 

While there have been numerous efforts to have marijuana reclassified from Schedule I, none have been successful even though the drug is widely accepted as a medical or recreational drug in the majority of states.

Nevertheless, the drug is still considered highly addictive by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Both agencies concur that that drug has no medical use for treatment.

Schedule I Drugs

Schedule I narcotics include marijuana, heroin, LSD, peyote, and ecstasy. These are not recognized as being medically useful and therefore present a significant potential for misuse.

Schedule II Substances

Drugs under schedule II include cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, Vicodin, and Adderall. Although these substances have a strong potential for abuse, they are viewed as less dangerous than Schedule I substances.

Schedule III Narcotics

Controlled substances under this schedule include anabolic steroids, ketamine, and testosterone. Schedule III medications have certain medical applications but also carry a danger of dependence.

Schedule IV Drugs

The drugs, Ambien, Xanax, Valium, and Ativan are categorized as Schedule IV substances. There is less probability that these medications will be abused.

Schedule V Drugs

Cough suppressants are listed as Schedule V drugs. The majority of the pharmaceuticals under Schedule V are taken as over-the-counter medications and have the lowest risk.

Misdemeanor Drug Charges

Usually, a drug offense is considered a misdemeanor if you’re in possession of a Schedule III or IV substance or you possess 4 ounces or less of marijuana. You may also receive a misdemeanor charge if you’re caught with drug paraphernalia. Misdemeanor drug charges carry, on average, up to one year in jail or a fine of up to $4,000.

You may face a felony charge if you are carrying over a certain amount of a Schedule III or IV substance or are in possession of a group I or II substance. Growing marijuana is also considered a felony as is drug distribution or the intent to distribute drugs.

A felony, if you’re convicted, can lead to the loss of certain rights, such as owning a firearm or, if you have been convicted of drug trafficking, the loss of being able to travel outside the U.S. It’s easy to see how courts make this ruling, as drug traffickers often are involved in transnational shipments.

For example, the DEA reports that cocaine remains a major drug threat in the Caribbean, with transshipment points located between South America and the U.S. The drug is usually delivered to islands through the use of maritime vessels from places such as the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, or Colombia. This type of activity is viewed as a risk to national security.

Crossing the State Line – Why A Drug Crime Turns Into a Federal Offense

Any crime committed over state lines may be prosecuted as a federal offense. Therefore, authorities can charge you with federal drug trafficking if you’re discovered with a controlled substance while traveling intra-state.

The charge you receive for a drug offense depends on the kind of substance involved and whether or not you have a criminal history. If you’re facing a serious charge, you might be facing prison time from five to 40 years. This charge may also include as much as $2,000,000 in fines. 

If you take part in drug trafficking, and it leads to another person getting injured or dying, you could receive a life sentence.

Keep in mind that drug trafficking is far more serious than possessing drugs. If you’re charged with drug possession, law enforcement officials may charge you with trafficking if they believe you intended to sell the drug. Therefore, if you’re found with a large amount of cash or drugs, you may face drug distribution charges.

The FBI reported that almost 4% of homicides in 2007 were narcotics-related. These crimes were committed during drug trafficking or drug manufacturing. That is also why the court system takes a dim view of trafficking. 

Drug Crimes on Public Property

You might be charged with a federal offense if your crime was committed on public property. Public property includes any property in the public domain, or a site used by the public, such as a military installation, a national zoo or aquarium, or a national park.

One of the most common drug activities that take place on public lands is the cultivation and harvesting of marijuana.

The Drug Enforcement Administration or DEA is responsible for upholding the laws that govern banned substances. Therefore, the agency primarily focuses on arresting and prosecuting people who cultivate, manufacture, or distribute illegal substances. They also investigate activities where narcotics are imported from outside the U.S.

Minimum Punishments for Federal Drug Offenses

Mandatory minimum penalties are required for several federal drug offenses. This means that the judge must impose a minimum prison term for a defendant if they are found guilty of a specific drug crime. 

A judge can only impose a sentence with a penalty that is less than the mandatory minimum requirement if a prosecutor specifically requests it.

The obligatory minimum penalty for the majority of federal drug offenses is either five or ten years in prison. If the offender has a prior state or federal drug felony conviction, or if the drug offense they committed caused harm or death, they might be sentenced to at least 20 years for their crime.

Call Jance M. Weberman If You’ve Been Accused of a  Federal Drug Crime

An illegal drug accusation is of the utmost seriousness. Even a non-violent drug offense carries a lengthy prison sentence and high fines. Contact a knowledgeable defense lawyer as soon as you learn that you are under investigation or have been charged. In Los Angeles, call Jance M. Weberman, a Professional Law Corp at (213) 386-9100 ASAP.

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A drug crimes lawyer Los Angeles explains

The legal system is complex and may seem intimidating to those who do not know its inner workings. People without legal representation are often taken advantage of and pressed into plea bargains that end in jail time. Without the best drug crimes lawyer Los Angeles, they would end plead guilty to a felony and end up behind bars.

Drug crimes attorneys have sufficient experience to represent their clients’ best interests. Their interactions with prosecutors could lead to a plea deal that favors the client, especially in less serious offenses. Alternatively, they will take the case to court.

The wheels of justice grind slowly

Overburdened courts are reluctant to hear minor drug possession charges as they cause unnecessary backlogs in trying other, more severe cases. Therefore, an offender is likely to be offered a deal, according to a drug crimes lawyer Los Angeles. Most deals are negotiated between lawyers and only apply if you accept the terms.

Waiting to appear in court can take months or even years, depending on your local legal system. With a great lawyer on your side, the case can be disposed of without waiting lengthy periods and having it hanging over your head.

Drug possession defenses

If you are caught up in a situation and arrested for drug possession, an attorney can defend your case. Examples of drug possession offenses include illegal search and seizure or the drugs belonging to someone else.

For example, if the police do not conduct a drug search according to stipulated procedures, any evidence they find is excluded. Additionally, if drugs belonging to someone else are found in your house or car, dropped charges against you should follow. The state must prove they were your drugs and whether they were for personal use or intended for distribution to others.

Arrested for drug possession? What should you do?

Jance Weberman knows that not all drug possession cases should end in jail time. He and his highly competent team of attorneys at Weberman Law will represent their clients’ interests and secure the best possible outcome. Call (213) 386-9100 for a consultation as soon as possible to have a lawyer on your side from the start. With your legal rights protected, you can rest assured that you will have robust representation and avoid receiving undue punishment.

The post Arrested for Drug Possession Charges – Drug Crimes Lawyer Los Angeles for Consultation appeared first on Jance Weberman | Winning Los Angeles Lawyer.

Possession Violations

Many people think that simple possession violations of things like marijuana, cocaine or other illegal chemical substances are not very serious charges. However, the penalties for possession are quite high and are mandated by state and federal law. What you see as an insignificant amount could be more than enough to have you in jail for a long time. You need to have a lawyer to consult with before you talk to law enforcement or before you go to court if you want hope of avoiding stiff penalties. Your attorney can discuss the case with you to see the evidence and arrest and determine if there are any problems with the situation that can work in your favor. Your lawyer can also work on plea arrangements and bargains that can help to lessen the charges or potential sentence you face.

Illegal Substance Sales

The sale of narcotics and illegal chemical substances carry very strict penalties to them under the law. If you have been arrested and charged with the sale or distribution of narcotics, you potentially could face state charges and federal charges for the crime. This can add up to significant jail time for you if you are convicted. You need a drug crimes lawyer in Los Angeles to work on your case with you to work towards a more positive out come for you in your case.

Talk to Us Right Away

If you are facing potential drug charges and are not sure what to do, you want to call a drug crimes lawyer in Los Angeles that has the experience and understanding of cases like this to help you. Reach out to us at the law offices of Jance M. Weberman for the assistance you need. You can get in touch with our office by calling 213-386-9100 to arrange for a consultation so that we can start the process of helping you at this difficult time.

The post When to Hire a Drug Crimes Lawyer in Los Angeles appeared first on Jance Weberman | Winning Los Angeles Lawyer.

There are all different times that can occur in your life where you may need the help of a lawyer, but when you are facing any type of criminal charges may be the one time you need one the most. There are many varied situations that can come up where you may find yourself dealing with a criminal investigation by authorities or getting charged with some type of criminal offense. What may seem insignificant to you is not something you should ever take lightly since a guilty verdict of criminal charges can lead to hefty fines, probation and jail time, all of which can have significant effects on the rest of your life. You will want to look for a criminal attorney Los Angeles has available any time you are dealing with things like:

• DUI and DWI – DUI and DWI cases are in fact criminal cases that can carry very severe penalties for you. Many people take these charges too lightly and end up dealing with the dire consequences that come along with being found guilty of these charges. A criminal lawyer can help you to build a case and defend yourself so that you can lessen the harsh penalties that you may face.
• Drug Crimes – drug cases, from minor possession violations to cases that can have federal crime implications and penalties, carry all kinds of criminal charges and potential penalties depending on the severity of your case. Many people may not even fully understand the charges and what will happen to them when they are found guilty of different drug charges. Having the right lawyer to assist you can give you a better idea of what you are dealing with so you can be sure to mount a proper defense.
• Theft – Even the smallest of theft charges against you can lead you to having a criminal record and going to jail. When you are facing theft charges of any kind, having an experienced lawyer that has dealt with cases like this before can make the difference to you in negotiations and in court.

Any time that you think you are part of a criminal investigation, it is in your best interests to reach out to an experienced and reliable criminal attorney. You can talk things over with your lawyer and learn about the options available to you in terms of a proper defense so you can be sure that your rights are protected throughout.

The post When You Need a Criminal Attorney appeared first on Jance Weberman | Winning Los Angeles Lawyer.