Drug charges can have a dramatic effect on your life and your future. You could lose your job, be unable to go to your college of choice, or struggle to find future employment. Furthermore, conviction could mean hefty fines or even time in prison. In a previous article we looked at the ways in which drugs are classified and the effect that might have on the penalties connected with a related charge.
One form of drug-related crime which is particularly common is possession. Regardless of what you intend to do with the drugs in question, if they are found in your possession, you could face criminal charges. However, like other offenses of this nature, the severity of the charges depends on several factors.
As is explained in more depth here, these include but are not limited to the following:
- The presence of drug paraphernalia. This may be discounted if there is no drug residue found within the equipment.
- The substances involved.
- The geographic location at which you were allegedly found in possession of drugs.
- The quantity of drugs you were accused of being in possession of.
Of course, there are numerous other elements that can come into play, so it is important to know the rules in your home state. An attorney can help you to understand the charges you face and assist you in building your defense. A charge is no guarantee of a conviction, so with the right support and guidance, you may be able to avoid penalties and protect both your reputation and your future.