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Penalties and Consequences of Drug Trafficking in the USA

In the United States, the crime of drug trafficking is severely punished. But we must emphasize that each state has its own penalties to punish the crime of trafficking. Some U.S. states allow the consumption of certain substances as long as they are prescribed, or for personal consumption (respecting the law). In this article we will explain what are the penalties for trafficking illegal substances and other illegal drugs in the United States, we will show you the table of penalties for drug trafficking in this country, we will let you know the consequences of illegal drug trafficking and consumption, and we will tell you if you can post bail in cases of trafficking offenses.

The combat drug trafficking for this country is a constant since all the time is facing illicit drugs by major drug cartels although it is true that you can make use of these unlawful controlled substances so you will have more complete advice with all the information in this article is true that organized crime groups work illegally by moving prescirption drugs but in quantities penalized, thus cocaine trafficking being an unregulated problem for these cocaine trafficking or trafficking routes .

What is the Penalties and Consequences for Drug Trafficking in the United States?

Drug trafficking is a criminal conduct involving the manufacture, cultivation and trade of drugs or prohibited substances. It should be noted that there are many people who commit this crime several times, and others who only commit it once and are punished according to the laws of the state where they have been charged.

The penalties for drug trafficking vary according to the state of the United States, and can be severe or less severe, depending on the amount of the drug trafficked, the type of drug and the frequency with which the crime is committed.

As a point of reference, the penalties can range from a $100 fine, days in jail, thousands of dollars in fines, and several years in prison or jail, depending on the severity of the case.

It is worth mentioning that under U.S. law, persons accused of committing drug trafficking are entitled to legal defense and to receive a specific penalty for this crime. Therefore, drug trafficking lawyers are in charge of defending those accused of this crime, the prosecutors are the ones who prove that the accused committed the elements of the crime, and the judge is the one who determines the corresponding penalties or sanctions to punish the crime of drug trafficking.

Table of Drug Trafficking Penalties in the United States

The following are the penalties for drug trafficking in three U.S. states. Please note that penalties and penalties may vary, i.e., each state may apply its own harsh or lenient laws to punish this crime.

1- Arizona Drug Trafficking Penalties:

ARS 13-3401 classifies drugs as dangerous drugs, narcotics, substances that emit toxic vapors, prescription drugs, peyote and marijuana.

Possession of a drug for sale is severely punishable in Arizona. Drug trafficking in this state is punishable by imprisonment, payment of a substantial fine and, if the offense is less serious, by probation and entry into a drug treatment program.

The prison sentence, according to the seriousness of the crime, can be of one year or more, depending on the type and quantity of the drug that has been trafficked.

2- Penalties for Drug Trafficking in California:

In this state the penalties to punish this crime are severe. The penalties for drug trafficking in California can include time in jail or state prison and payment of the fine(s). For example, a person who sells between 100 g to 5 kg of heroin in this state can be punished to spend 5 years in prison.

And a person who produces methamphetamine can be punished to spend up to 7 years in prison and pay a fine of up to $50,000. In California, there are also other less severe penalties, such as drug treatment programs.

3- New York Drug Trafficking Penalties

This state severely punishes the crime of drug trafficking. For example, the illegal sale of controlled substances is punished with a severe penalty of prison time.

Drug trafficking, i.e., the sale of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, among others, is severely punished.

Marijuana charges depend directly on the quantity of the drug, whether minors have been involved in this crime, among others.

It should be noted that narcotics charges in this state depend directly on the type of drug, the quantity of the drug, the intent to sell or distribute, and prior convictions. Misdemeanor convictions are punishable by up to one year in prison, and felony convictions are punishable by up to 25 years in prison.

Consequences of Drug Trafficking and Consumption

Drug trafficking is a crime that seriously affects society, for example, it increases violence in the country or other forms and also causes other types of crimes, such as homicide, murder, extortion, document forgery, among others.

Drug use is very harmful to health because it causes brain disorders, mood alteration, addiction, problems in the circulatory system, sexual dysfunction, respiratory problems, anxiety, overdose and psychological disorders, it is important to take care of health.

How Many Years in Prison Do You Get for Drug Trafficking in the United States?

Defendants charged with drug trafficking can be punished by spending anywhere from 1 year in prison to life in prison.
For example, the federal ranges set minimum sentences for drug trafficking related offenses, but the penalties will always depend on the severity of the case and the state where the person will be tried.

If a person possesses at least 1 kilogram of heroin or 5 grams of powder cocaine, he or she can be punished to spend 10 years or more in prison, or receive the severe sentence of life imprisonment.

If a person is accused of distributing or possessing 100 grams of heroin or 500 grams of powder cocaine,
will be punished to spend between 5 to 40 years in prison.

Bail for Drug Possession

It is worth mentioning that, depending on the state and if the drug possession offense is minor, the defendant may post bail to avoid spending time in prison. For more information, you can contact attorney Brian Soto, who will provide you with personalized legal assistance and advise you on the best course of action for your legal case, according to the laws of the United States.

If you want personalized and efficient legal assistance, contact drug trafficking lawyer Brian Soto. He will provide you with a free initial consultation, will assist you in Spanish, and will offer you a solid legal defense, in accordance with the laws of the United States.