Forty-six percent of federal prisoners, or almost 70,000 people, in the United States have been convicted of drug crimes. And that’s not even counting people convicted of state-level crimes.
But, how many of these crimes are non-violent? And what sorts of crimes are drug-related?
Read on to find out everything you need to know about non-violent offenses when it comes to drug crimes.
1. The Types of Non-Violent Drug Offenses
There are lots of different drug offenses out there, so you’ll want to know the distinction. You could be charged with simple possession of a drug such as cannabis. Or, you could be charged with trafficking.
The number of drugs in your possession and what you were doing with them will affect what you’re charged with and the penalties you’ll face if you’re found guilty. Additionally, the types of drugs you have can also play a role. Of course, many drugs are perfectly legal. Other drugs are legal as long as you have a prescription. And, some drugs are always illegal.
There are also distinctions between these categories you should be aware of. There are five legal categories, called Schedule I-V, based on the medical use of the drug and the potential for a drug to be abused.
2. Some Offenses Aren’t Crimes in Some States
With the rise of legal cannabis and other drug legalization measures, some federal crimes have ceased to become crimes on a state level. And, some crimes aren’t crimes in some states but are in others. This means that you need to keep an eye on what the laws are in your area.
And, new laws are passed all the time, so watch out for news updates to ensure that you’re not accidentally violating the law because of a change in legislation.
3. Penalties May Be Steep
You may think that you’ll get off easy if you commit a non-violent drug crime, but that’s often not the case. Some states have three-strikes laws, so if you have a previous record you can face life in prison for possessing a small amount of cannabis. On the other hand, you could end up with probation or a fine if you’re a first-time offender in states with more flexible laws.
However, these laws aren’t always enforced evenly. People of color, especially Black people, and people who are economically disadvantaged are more likely to face stiffer penalties than white people or people with significant economic means.
If you end up charged with a drug-related crime, you need legal help ASAP. Look into your options for drug crimes lawyers in your area. You’ll want to make sure you have all your bases covered before you head to court.
Drug Crimes and Non-Violent Offenses: Now You Know
Clearly, there’s a lot to learn about non-violent offenses related to drug crimes. But, hopefully, you now have the basics down.
Need more information when it comes to the legal system? Read through some of the other interesting and helpful posts on this website.