Drug Charges Attorney

If you have been arrested for a drug charge such as possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, possession of cocaine, possession of meth, you should consult an attorney as soon as possible. A criminal conviction could cause you to lose your job, your driving privileges or even your freedom. The range of punishment for different crimes varies on whether the criminal charge is pending in state or municipal court. For example:

Possession, Use, or Distribution of Alcoholic Beverages

• Alabama state law prohibits the purchase, consumption, possession, or transportation of alcoholic beverages by persons less than 21 years of age. Penalties for conviction may include a fine and/or jail sentence.
• Public intoxication, driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), and the unlicensed sale of alcoholic beverages are also against the law. Penalties for such convictions may include a fine, jail sentence, suspension of driver’s license, and/or required completion of an alcohol rehabilitation program.

Possession of Controlled or Illicit Drugs

• Marijuana

• Possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use only is a misdemeanor punishable by a prison sentence of up to a year, a fine of up to $6,000 or both.
• Possession of marijuana for other than personal use, or a second conviction for personal use is a felony punishable by a prison sentence of from one to ten years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both.
• Possession of more than 2.2 pounds of marijuana is considered drug trafficking and is punishable by a minimum prison sentence of three years and a fine of at least $25,000.

All Other Controlled Substances

• Possession of a controlled substance other than marijuana is a felony punishable by a prison sentence of from one to ten years and a fine of up to $15,000 or both.
• Possession of large amounts of a controlled substance other than marijuana is considered drug trafficking and is punishable by a minimum prison sentence of three years and a fine ranging from $50,000 to $500,000

Sale of Controlled or Illicit Drugs

• The sale of any controlled substance is a felony punishable by a prison term of two to twenty years or a fine of up to $10,000 or both.
• The sale or distribution of a controlled substance by a person 18 years old or older to a person under the age of 18 is a felony punishable by a prison sentence of ten years to life imprisonment or a fine of up to $20,000 or both.
• The sale or distribution of a controlled substance within a three-mile radius of any school or college is punishable by a mandatory prison sentence of five years in addition to other penalties described above.
• The sale of large amounts of controlled drugs is considered drug trafficking and is punishable by a minimum prison sentence of three years and fines ranging from $50,000 to $500,000.

If you have been arrested, learn why you should hire an lawyer to represent you. At the Monk Law Firm, the firm understands that sometimes problems don't occur nine to five. Consequently, the firm is available on a limited basis to take your calls on the weekend and after hours. Please call the firm and leave a message. Someone will call you back as soon as possible.