What Determines Total Jail Time For Possession Of Drugs?
Drug possession attracts a hefty fine or lengthy jail terms. However, different judges deliver varied rulings depending on the circumstances of each case. So, hiring a criminal defense lawyer to represent you in court might lessen your sentence if you face drug possession charges.
When you hire a drug possession lawyer, they will advise you on the legal options you can pursue. Additionally, they will evaluate your case to craft the best approach to ensure that you get a favorable outcome. Some of the factors that might determine your jail term or fine include the following.
Schedule of Drugs in Your Possession during Your Arrest
The first factor the judge will evaluate when delivering their judgment is the schedule of the drugs you were in position with when you were arrested. If the drugs appear amongst Schedule 1 drugs, they will impose a hefty fine or a lengthy jail term.
If you were caught in a position of Schedule 1 drugs, you would face felony charges that will attract maximum punishment. However, for Schedule 3 drugs, you'll face misdemeanor charges which will attract a lesser punishment.
Quantity of Drugs in Your Possession during Your Arrest
The number of narcotics in your possession during your arrest will also determine the punishment you receive. If the judge discovers that you had many drugs during your arrest, they will assume that you wanted to distribute them to different drug addicts. They will also hand you a harsher punishment compared to a person caught with drugs in small amounts.
However, the law has set quantities for different drugs. So, the judge will deliver their judgment depending on the quality of the specific drug you had during your arrest time.
Nature of the Circumstances
The judge will also factor in the circumstances during the time of your arrest. The law enforcers might indicate a more dangerous situation than possessing the drugs during the arrest.
If you are a previous drug offender, if there is evidence that you sell your drugs to underage children, if or the drugs you sell threaten the health of more people than those who buy them, and you'll face tougher punishment.
All these factors will determine the number of years you spend behind bars or the amount of money you have to pay for your freedom when caught in possession of drugs. That's why hiring a drug possession lawyer is important if you are facing drug-related charges. Your lawyer will evaluate your case depending on your specific satiation. Then, they will persuade the court to hand you a lesser sentence or fine, depending on your case's nature. Contact a drug possession lawyer for more information.