Possession of drugs or other illegal substances the federal government has deemed "controlled substances" isn't always a crime. According to the Department of Justice (D.O.J.), drug possession accounts for over 80% of all drug-related arrests in the U.S. However, drug possession can be legal in certain circumstances, such as possessing a controlled substance under a doctor's supervision or for scientific research.
Drug possession becomes illegal only if you are unable to comply with any legal justification – and certain substances, like cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, are never legal at a federal level.
Learn about the drug possession laws and controlled substances in the article below. We will explore how the drug possession laws work and when it is illegal to possess a controlled substance.
Under U.S. law, a substance is considered to be "controlled" if it is solely available (if at all) through a valid prescription or other legitimate means. The Controlled Substances Act classified controlled substances into five "schedules" – the most dangerous substances are in Schedule I and the least in Schedule V.
For more information on drug scheduling, visit the D.E.A. website.
In order to be arrested for drug possession, an individual needs to meet two criteria;
Knowledge
. A person must be intentionally or knowingly in possession of a controlled substance – for example, if you borrowed your friend's car, and, upon being stopped, the police discover concealed substances, the defendant may not be charged; they could not have known the drugs were present. Furthermore, a defendant must know the drugs are illegal and intend to use them.
Possession
. A defendant must have the drugs in their physical or personal control. Drug possession can be
constructive
or
actual
possession. Actual possession refers to drug possession on your person or nearby, e.g., in a bag; constructive possession refers to control or access to drugs, even if not present on their person, e.g., in a medicine cabinet or hidden in a home.
Drug possession laws extend beyond the drugs themselves. For instance, possessing precursor chemicals used to make drugs or drug paraphernalia is also considered a criminal act. Drug paraphernalia includes bongs, syringes, pipes, and other similar items. However, these items can be used for non-criminal purposes and so require additional evidence to connect the item with drug use, e.g., drug residue.
The penalties for drug possession are wholly determined by the type of substance, substance schedule, the quantity, and the purpose of your possession.
Drug possession laws delineate between possession and distribution. Distribution carries a substantially higher penalty, as the defendant intends to sell or give the controlled substance to other people. Possessing a quantity of the controlled substance too large for a person to use can automatically lead to a distribution charge. Other evidence of distribution includes plastic baggies, business cards, scales, etc.
Otherwise, simple possession is most frequently treated as a misdemeanor. Defendants may be subject to fines or probation and rehabilitation programs. In contrast, being charged with possession with intent to distribute results in fines up to $100,000 and potential incarceration of 10 years or more – depending on the drug and quantity in question.
For example, possessing a large quantity of a Schedule I drug like LSD, heroin, or marijuana is likely to lead to a larger fine and longer prison sentence than a Schedule V drug such as low codeine cough syrup.
In certain states, marijuana is now considered legal – if not recreationally, then medicinally. There, you are able to use the substances without repercussions; however, it is technically a violation of federal law.
Whether you were in possession of a controlled substance for personal use or with intent to distribute, violating the drug possession laws can be a serious offense. In 2018, nearly 300,000 people were held in state and federal prisons for drug law violations.
With a competent, experienced lawyer, you can mount a viable defense. Moreover, California has created alternative drug courts to examine defendants charged with drug law violations. Drug courts emphasize rehabilitation over-incarceration, requiring defendants to participate in year-long drug rehabilitation programs.
Even if the potential penalty is not great in your case, a criminal record can affect your ability to get a job, house, or occupational license. Contact the Law Office of William Kroger, Attorney at Law, for a free consultation. Call us today at 323-655-5700.
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This page was reviewed and approved by William S. Kroger, a leading criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles. Mr. Kroger has decades of experience defending clients in both state and federal courts. He is recognized for his strong trial skills and dedication to protecting the rights of the accused. Throughout his career, he has successfully represented clients facing a wide range of serious criminal charges. His personalized defense strategies are designed to achieve the best possible outcome in every case. Clients trust Mr. Kroger for his knowledge, commitment, and proven results.
He is also an active member of respected legal organizations, including the American Bar Association and the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers. With his expertise and reputation, William S. Kroger is regarded as one of California’s top defense lawyers.
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