Drug Charges
Certain illicit drugs, such as cocaine and methamphetamine, are restricted at both the federal and state level. This includes the manufacturing, cultivation, trafficking, distribution and possession of these substances. Conviction on drug charges often carries stiff sentences, including prison time, but sometimes prosecutors will offer plea deals to lower-level offenders in exchange for help with a larger case. Some states have enacted medical marijuana laws, allowing physicians to recommend the drug for certain illnesses while exempting qualified patients from criminal prosecution on marijuana-related drug charges, while others have legalized it for recreational use. The following articles pertain to drug charges and their respective sentences upon conviction.
- Drug Manufacturing and Cultivation
Explanation of the illegality of growing or manufacturing illegal drugs, such as marijuana and methamphetamine.
- Drug Trafficking/Distribution
Overview of how state and federal laws prohibit importation, transportation and sales of illegal drugs.
- Drug Possession
How possession of illegal drugs such as heroin and LSD, either for personal use or distribution, is a crime under state and federal laws.
- Medical Marijuana
Primer on medical marijuana laws in general, how they are implemented in states with such laws and the tension between state laws and the federal prohibition of marijuana.