Crenshaw County Drug Crimes Lawyer

Drug laws in Alabama follow the model utilized by many other states in classifying controlled substances according to schedules, their potential of abuse, accepted medical usages, and overall danger to the public. Penalties for various drug offenses rely in large part on the amount and types of drugs involved as classified by these schedules. With knowledge of the potential severity of these penalties, a Crenshaw County drug lawyer could defend you against any allegations of drug activity.

Drug convictions can result in jail or prison sentences, fines, and a permanent criminal record that might impact every aspect of your life, from jobs to relationships. Enlisting the assistance of an accomplished criminal defense attorney may be your best defense against the potential penalties of a drug conviction.

Alabama Code §13A-12-212 generally makes it illegal for anyone to possess any controlled substances, regardless of their schedule. This offense is a Class D felony. It is also a crime under this section to fraudulently obtain a prescription for a controlled substance or a precursor chemical, which can be generally defined as a component of some controlled substance.

Alabama law establishes two separate drug offenses that solely deal with marijuana possession, each of which a Crenshaw County drug attorney could assist with building a defense against. Second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana under Ala. Code §13A-12-214 is a Class A misdemeanor when individuals possess marijuana for only personal use.

Beyond that, first-degree unlawful possession of marijuana under Ala. Code §13A-12-213 is a Class C felony when individuals possess marijuana for a purpose other than personal use. This charge becomes a Class D felony when individuals have a prior conviction for illegal possession of marijuana in the second degree or for personal use.

Under Ala. Code §13A-12-217, unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance of the second degree, which is a Class B felony, occurs when individuals manufacture any controlled substances or possess precursor substances with the intent to manufacture controlled substances. As previously mentioned, precursor substances are those necessary for the manufacture of various controlled substances.

As an experienced attorney could explain, the first-degree variant of this offense, which is a Class A felony, occurs if two or more of the following circumstances exist in conjunction with the alleged manufacturing activities:

• Possession of a firearm or existence of a booby trap
• Possession, transportation, or disposal of hazardous or dangerous materials that created a substantial risk to human health or safety or a danger to the environment
• A person age 17 or younger was there during the manufacturing

Other qualifying circumstances include the existence of a clandestine laboratory operation that took place within 500 feet of a school, church, business, or residence that produced any amount of a controlled substance, or that was intended to manufacture Schedule I or II controlled substances.

Unlawful distribution of controlled substances or possession with intent to unlawfully distribute controlled substances is a Class B felony according to Ala. Code §13A-12-211. This statute lists different minimum quantities of various controlled substances that signify intent to distribute drugs as opposed to drugs for personal usage. Ala. Code §13A-12-215 elevates the offense to a Class A felony if an adult over the age of 18 unlawfully distributes controlled substances to individuals who are under the age of 18.

Also, drug trafficking is a Class A felony under Ala. Code §13A-12-231. This statute lists larger quantities of controlled substances that support drug trafficking charges. Given that the penalties for a Class A felony conviction could include life imprisonment, getting advice from a drug lawyer in Crenshaw County may be particularly crucial for individuals facing drug trafficking charges.

Drug charges, whether for possessing, manufacturing, or distributing controlled substances, can have devastating consequences if they result in a criminal conviction. No matter the case, some defenses may be available in your case which a Crenshaw County drug lawyer may be able to help you factor into your defense strategy.

Do not allow a drug conviction to interfere with your plans for the future—work with legal counsel to develop a strong defense and focus on overcoming or minimizing the charges that you are facing. Call today to schedule a consultation.