About Drug and Narcotics Laws, Charges & Convictions
A drug that is referred to as a narcotic is one that is completely prohibited and illegal, or one that is only used with very strict regulation by the government.
Any crime that involves a drug that is classified as a narcotic will usually result in increased punishment. For instance, under federal law, cocaine and amphetamines are both Schedule II drugs, but you get more time for cocaine possession. This is because cocaine is a narcotic.
There are five classes of narcotics in the US:
- Schedule I: No accepted medical use, such as marijuana, heroin, LSD, mushrooms, ecstasy
- Schedule II: Controlled substances that have high risk of abuse but some medical purpose, such as cocaine, morphine, oxycontin, opium, amphetamines. Prescriptions may not have refills
- Schedule III: Controlled substances that have less chance for abuse with accepted medical uses, such as LSA and ketamine
- Schedule IV: Controlled substances with less chance of abuse, including Xanax, Valium and Klonopin, also barbituates.
- Schedule V: Controlled substances with low potential for abuse and have accepted medical uses, such as Lyrica, and prescription cough medicines with codeine.
About Drug and Narcotic Laws in Massachusetts
You should know that drug crimes are treated seriously in Massachusetts, and the district attorney has a zero tolerance policy for drug law violations. Some of the crimes pertaining to drugs and narcotics that you can be charged with in this state include:
- Possession: Of any controlled substance. Can lead to prison sentences and severe fines even for a first offense. You also can lose your driver’s license.
- Possession with intent to distribute: This is a felony and will lead to long imprisonments and big fines. If you had any scales or bags in possession, you are going to be charged with this crime. This is much more serious than simple possession.
- Trafficking: This is a serious felony that is usually charged because of a large amount of drugs found in your possession. Penalties vary on types of drugs and quantities, but it can be 15-20 years.
- School zone violations: If you are arrested for a drug crime within 1000 feet of a school, you can be charged with this crime. You can be sentenced up to 15 years in prison.
It is quite common for aggressive law enforcement to violate constitutional rights when doing searches and seizures for drugs. So, you are very wise to get outstanding Mass criminal defense attorney who can help you to minimize any potential sentence.
Popular Drugs and Narcotics in Massachusetts
The most popular drugs in Massachusetts in recent years include cocaine, heroin, meth, and marijuana. Most of the cocaine has been found to come from NY, FL and GA. Much of these drugs are brought into the state in hidden spaces inside of trucks and tractor trailers. Much cocaine also is brought into the state by the US postal service mail system.
Drug and Narcotic Crime Statistics
The number of drug and narcotic arrests in the United States has soared in the last 30 years. According to the FBI, there were 600,000 drug arrests in 1982, and nearly 2 million in 2007. However, it is the charges for possession that have soared, and accounted for most of that increase. The number of arrests for manufacture and sales of drugs and narcotics has held steady at around 400,000 per year for over 20 years.
Conclusion
If you have been accused of a drug crime, or any other serious crime, contact the Law Offices of Geoffrey G. Nathan, one of Massachusett’s top criminal defense lawyers. He has the experience and legal skills needed to handle serious criminal matters. To arrange an office consultation, contact us now.