What Are the Most Common Types of Drug Charges? | Drug Crimes Attorneys

A conviction for a drug charge can not only result in potential fines and jail time but it is considered a serious offense that can significantly impact the rest of your life. While a variety of factors, including your previous criminal history, the laws in your state, and the judge presiding over your case, will all affect your specific outcome, the type of drug crime you are charged with will be the most influential factor in determining your penalties. Our expert drug crimes attorneys in Wichita, Kansas, at the McConnell Law Firm, have years of experience defending against drug crimes and are detailing the most common types of charges below. Keep reading to learn more!

Possession of a Controlled Substance

The most common drug charges include possession of marijuana, prescription drugs, and methamphetamines. While possession of marijuana is gradually becoming decriminalized on a state-by-state basis, states where the drug is not yet decriminalized often have associated penalties more severe than a simple fine. In Kansas, a first offense will be considered a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of six months of jail time and a maximum fine of $1,000. Many times, collateral consequences will follow a defendant for the rest of their life and remain a springboard for various other drug-related charges to appear, such as intent to distribute or drug trafficking, depending on the amount of drugs found. Additionally, it’s important to remember that without a valid prescription, individuals may also be charged with possession for being caught with unprescribed prescription drugs on their person.

Drug Distribution and Trafficking

When a greater amount of drugs are involved or found on an individual, that person may be charged with drug trafficking or intent to distribute. Kansas Statute defines “distribute” as the sale, offer for sale, or any act that causes some item to be transferred from one person to another. In general, drug trafficking is typically charged as a felony and increases in severity when a larger quantity of drugs is involved or when an individual dies due to trafficked drugs. It’s important to understand the penalties for trafficking are much harsher than the penalties for possession, as even minor drug dealing offenses can be punished as a felony, resulting in hefty fines and extended prison time. Selling illegal substances near a school or educational facility may also garner more serious consequences due to the presence of minors.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Another common but less severe drug charge is possession of drug paraphernalia. According to Kansas Statute,” Drug paraphernalia” refers to all equipment and materials of any kind which is used, or primarily intended or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance. While commonly resulting in a misdemeanor, possession of drug paraphernalia may also result in a felony when manufacturing a controlled substance, especially if that substance is methamphetamine. Some examples of drug paraphernalia that could lead to you being charged include bongs, spoons, pipes, rolling paper, lighters, needles, syringes, clear plastic baggies, pill bottles, and more.

Have You Been Accused?

If you have been charged with a drug crime in the state of Kansas, we encourage you to remain silent, not discuss your allegations, and contact the McConnell Law Firm as soon as possible. While every case is different, and no conclusions should be drawn without first consulting our Wichita drug crimes attorneys about the specifics of your case, it is always in your best interest to have a skilled attorney by your side from the beginning.