A person could face charges for drug trafficking if they are caught crossing state lines in possession of illegal substances. If the defendant is convicted of drug trafficking, they could potentially face five years to life in prison, $100,000 or more in fines and other penalties.
The severity of a federal drug trafficking conviction depends on several factors, including the following:
1. The type of illegal substance
Drugs are classified as schedules under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Schedules determine whether a substance has legal medical uses. There are five different drug schedules. Drugs that are classified as Schedule I are known to lead to severe dependency and substance abuse. Illegal possession of a Schedule I substance can lead to the most severe charges. However, illegally possessing any of the other types of scheduled drugs can still lead to potentially harsh charges.
2. The quantity of the drug
Another factor a court may consider when convicting a person of drug trafficking is the quantity of an illegal drug. If a defendant was caught in possession of a large quantity of illegal drugs, they could face maximum charges. For example, possessing 100 grams of heroin (a Schedule I substance) can lead to 40 years in prison.
3. Your criminal history
When a court is determining drug trafficking punishments, the defendant’s criminal history may impact the decision. If a defendant has a known history of trafficking illegal substances across state lines, criminal charges may be doubled. Legal guidance can help people understand their rights and defense options against federal charges.
