Types of Drugs
One of the central components of any drug charge concerns the types of drugs involved. Certain drugs carry more severe penalties than others, and every drug will vary by weight in terms of any sentence handed down upon a conviction. Most states at least loosely follow the guidelines that exist in the federal system, and below is a look at a few different types of drugs as put forth by the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and if you face any sort of drug-related charge, you need to contact the criminal defense attorneys at our law firm immediately to get the process of building a strong defense started.
Club Drugs
These drugs include such types as GHB and ecstasy, and these are relatively new, 'designer' drugs that have hit the scene in recent years. Basically, these drugs are odorless and colorless, and can lead to other crimes such as rape if administered to an unwitting victim. The punishments are also harsh, and conviction of trafficking these types of drugs can lead to minimum sentences of five to ten years.
Cocaine/Crack
While these are technically prosecuted as different drugs, they are basically the same in that crack is basically processed cocaine that's used in 'rock' form. These drugs are extremely addictive, and punishments for producing or trafficking either cocaine or crack can be extremely severe, including life terms in prison.
Heroin
Heroin is an opiate that's derived from morphine, and it's highly addictive. It can also kill easily if someone overdoses or uses a 'dirty' or 'hot' dose that contains impurities. More than 1,500 convicted defendants were federally sentenced for heroin offenses in 2006, and almost 98% of these defendants were convicted of trafficking charges.
Methamphetamine
"Meth" is an addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system, and 'labs' all over the United States are used to manufacture this substance from otherwise-legal ingredients. It's a growing problem, and the stiff sentences associated with it are a reflection of legislatures' desire to curb the tide of meth production, distribution and use.
Marijuana
Marijuana is one of the most common illegal substances on the black market, and it's a naturally-occurring plant that's harvested, packaged and sold for use. Most users will smoke marijuana, while some will use it as a baking ingredient in order to 'get high.' More than 5,000 people faced federal marijuana charges in 2006, and the penalties associated with this offense are growing in severity.
Your Next Step
Basically, while the sentencing guidelines and the nature of the example substances listed above are different, one commonality that exists with all types of drugs is that arrests and convictions associated with them can ruin a person's life. If you face any sort of drug-related charge that's either state or federal in nature, contact our legal staff immediately to schedule a consultation and to begin the process of asserting your rights.
Case Review
Fill out the following form to
begin your consultation with
The Blanch Law Firm
