Practice Area - Narcotics and Drug Trafficking

Drug cultivation and manufacturing is defined two ways: growing, producing and possessing plants and other naturally occurring elements - such as cannabis seeds and marijuana plants - used to make illegal controlled substances producing illegal controlled substances that require chemicals and laboratory equipment to produce, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD and ecstasy or MDMA.

If you think that you may be under investigation or possibly facing criminal charges you are seriously advised to retain the services of an attorney.

Federal and state drug cultivation laws depend on the type of drug and amount produced.

Drug Trafficking & Distribution

Drug trafficking or drug distribution is generally defined as the selling, transportation and illegal import of illegal controlled substances. Illegal substances include marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, LSD, heroin and "club drugs." Federal and state drug distribution and trafficking charges and punishments depend on a variety of factors, including the type and amount of drug involved, location of distribution and if minor children were involved.

Specific prosecutions can include the following:

• Taking drugs across state lines
• Taking drugs across international borders
• Taking drugs onto an airplane or onto a boat in federal waters
• Selling drugs in multiple counties

If you are found with drugs in your car while on a cross-country road trip - even if they were for your own use - you could potentially face drug trafficking or drug distribution charges.

Drug Trafficking & Distribution Penalties

Thanks to the federal government's anti-drug policies, drug-related charges can carry mandatory sentences, even for defendants with no criminal record.

Many drug trafficking convictions can bring a sentence of 10 years to life in prison. Federal regulations can also make it difficult to receive early parole for good behavior once in prison

MARIJUANA GROW HOUSES

A Grow house is a property that is primarily used for the production of marijuana. Law enforcement organizations in the United States claim that cannabis growers have begun moving their operations indoors in response to an increase in attention directed towards outdoor cultivation. Many of these indoor operations are located in grow houses, which are homes wholly or substantially dedicated to the cultivation of the cannabis plant and the production of marijuana. It is common for every person associated with such a house to be arrested and penalties may be minimum mandatory prison and will depend on the number of plants found.

The summaries found on these pages are intended to give a broad picture of the types of criminal charges and are not intended as legal advice. The laws may have changed from the last update. For reliable information on state and criminal laws speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney about the facts of a specific case.

For a free initial consultation please call the Law office of Sydney Smith PA