Possession of drugs is graded in severity depending on whether there is evidence of intent to supply. Sentencing is dependent on several factors including the number of drugs found and the category of the controlled substance. Class A drugs such as ecstasy and cocaine are the most serious types of drug offenses. Class B includes things like cannabis and speed and Class C includes things like anabolic steroids.
No matter what type of drug offense you have been charged with, it is important to know what you need to do next. Keep reading below to find out more about what factors can influence your sentence and what you should do if you are arrested:
What Factors Can Influence a Sentence?
If you are charged with a drug offense, the following factors will be considered:
- Whether you have been charged with a drug offense in the past
- Whether you have a criminal record
- The classification of drugs that were found in your possession
- The number of drugs in question
- The location where you were stopped and charged
- The type of possession offense
If you are charged with a drug offense, it is important to hire a drug offense attorney. They will examine all the factors listed above to make sure that they agree with the sentence you have been given.
What are the Types of Possession Offenses?
Possession of drugs can be categorized in two different ways:
- Possession with intent to supply
- Possession without intent to supply
Although both charges are criminal offenses, each one has a different set of penalties and regulations. No matter which category your offense falls under, it is important to remember that all cases are different, and finding expert advice for your situation is crucial to ensure you get fair legal treatment.
What to Do if You Are Charged with a Drug Offense
As soon as you are arrested for a drug offense, it’s important to hire a drug offense attorney. They will discuss your case with you and come up with a plan of what to do next. If you are under the age of 18, you will need to ask a family member or a friend who is over 18 to be with you during any interviews. This is to ensure that all legal procedures are followed correctly.
Hiring a Drug Offense Attorney
Hiring a drug offense attorney is something you need to take extremely seriously. Failing to hire the right attorney could mean that you do not get the best outcome for your case. When searching for an attorney, make sure you find one that specializes in criminal defense law. These attorneys will have the most up-to-date knowledge of the legislation, which certainly comes in handy.
Over 1.6 million people are arrested for drug offenses each year. Of that number, 1.4 million individuals were arrested for possession. If you are facing charges of possession with intent to supply, you will need to contact a drug offense attorney as soon as possible. Drug attorneys will work alongside you to prove your innocence, or if you are guilty and there is no way of getting away with the charge, they will try and reduce your sentence to the minimum possible.
