Drug Laws Have Seen Few Changes since the 70s

Drug use and possession have been common in the United States for decades. In the 70s, heroin and marijuana were the drugs of choice for abusers and often the leading cause of arrest for drug possession. In the 80s, cocaine and crack became a popular way to get high for drug abusers. Today, methamphetamine has become a blight in rural America that is moving into the suburbs.

The drugs of choice for drug abusers for may have changed, but laws concerning drug possession have changed very little. In 1970, Congress passed the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. Drugs were placed into five different categories. While not everyone agrees with the classifications, most states use these as guidelines. These categories include many prescription drugs as well as narcotics. Because of this, illegal possession of a prescription drug is a crime. Often drug abusers get these drugs through prescription fraud. Savvier drug dealers will steal the drugs then sell them on the streets.

Punishment for drug abusers varies depending on the amount of drug in possession and the intent. For example, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor in most states that often leads to a probated sentence or just a fine. But drug dealers who get caught with several kilos of marijuana could spend years in prison on drug trafficking charges. Simple drug possession of small amount, no matter what the drug is, often does not end in prison sentence but probation. Some courts offer treatment instead of jail or prison as a sentence. These programs, known in some areas as “drug court,” have been successful according to recent studies.

 Repeat drug offenders often end up in prison. In some states, drug trafficking can lead to a life sentence, especially if the offender has a previous record of drug possession.

If you are arrested for drug possession or other drug-related crime, it is important that you hire an attorney skilled in criminal law. Without a knowledgeable attorney on your side, you may receive a harsher sentence. Know your rights and contact a skilled criminal trial lawyer today.