Columbiana Drug Lawyer

Aside from the potential jail time and fines associated with drug offenses in Columbiana, the ramification of a conviction may follow you long after you have paid your dues to society. If you are facing criminal charges or prosecution for a drug offense, it may be advisable to let a Columbiana drug lawyer assist you with your case.

By seeking legal assistance rather than trying to fight drug charges on your own, you could have an experienced criminal attorney prepare a legal defense to your charges. Your legal counsel may be able to safeguard your constitutional right to due process while also fighting on your behalf.

The Alabama Criminal Code prohibits the possession or sale of both illicit drugs and controlled substances in Columbiana. Additional drug-related offenses that could result in a person facing legal ramifications include intent to unlawfully distribute a controlled substance, unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance, and possession of anhydrous ammonia for the unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance.

The penalties for offenses involving drug possession or sales in Columbiana vary depending on whether the offense is classified as a misdemeanor or a felony, as well as the specific degree of classification for certain charges. Individuals should note that first-degree offenses are more serious in nature than second-degree offenses, and so on.

For instance, unlawful possession of marijuana for any purpose other than personal use is charged as possession in the first degree, which is a Class C felony. Consequently, the penalty for this offense is a prison sentence of one to ten years and a $15,000 fine.

Conversely, unlawful possession of marijuana only for personal use is charged as possession in the second degree and is a Class A misdemeanor. This offense carries a potential jail sentence of up to one year and a $6,000 fine. A knowledgeable attorney could explain the penalties associated with possession or sales of drugs in Columbiana.

Drug trafficking is described in the Alabama Criminal Code as the intentional selling, manufacture, or delivery of a specific amount of an illicit substance, such as cannabis, methamphetamines, cocaine, or heroin. Under the law, drug trafficking also involves bringing a specific amount of an illicit substance into the state.

It should be noted that the specific amount of drugs required for a drug offense to be charged as trafficking varies based on the type of drug or controlled substance. For example, while trafficking cannabis involves selling 2.2 pounds or more of the substance, an individual must sell less than one pound or more of cocaine for the act to be considered drug trafficking. A drug lawyer in Columbiana could answer questions regarding the specific quantities associated with drug trafficking for different substances.

The penalties imposed for drug trafficking offenses in Columbiana vary based on the type of drug and the amount trafficked. Trafficking large quantities of an illicit substance could result in a mandatory term of imprisonment for life upon conviction.

Alternatively, trafficking between 2.2 and 100 pounds of cannabis is punishable by a mandatory minimum prison sentence of three years and a $25,000 fine, while trafficking between 28 and 500 grams of cocaine is punishable by a mandatory minimum prison sentence of three years and a $50,000 fine. However, those convicted of trafficking more than 1,000 pounds of cannabis or 10 kilograms of cocaine would receive a mandatory sentence of life in prison.

While trying to fight drug charges on your own can be an overwhelming ordeal, you could get the legal representation you need by hiring a Columbiana drug lawyer. An accomplished attorney could review the case filed against you, gather evidence to build a defense case, and fight for your rights. Call today to learn more about the possibilities in your case.