What Would Happen If I Was Caught Selling Drugs?

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What Would Happen If I Was Caught Selling Drugs?

Drug charges are always serious offenses. Selling drugs is usually treated more seriously than simply using drugs. What happens to you when you are caught selling drugs largely depends on a number of factors including the type of drug, where you were selling the drug, and so on. Only a qualified criminal defense attorney in your state can inform you on your particular case and the punishments that are likely coming your way. However, here are some factors that usually determine what will happen to you if you get caught.

Type of Drug

The type of drug you’re caught using makes a big difference in how you’re prosecuted. There are various classes, usually called schedules, of drugs. There are schedule five drugs like cough suppressants that aren’t treated that seriously. Then there are schedule one drugs like LSD that are treated extremely seriously. What’s interesting is that marijuana is considered a higher schedule of drug and cocaine. Because of this, many criminal defense attorneys have a fairly decent argument when it comes to defending people who are selling marijuana. However, no matter how you were caught or what drug you were selling it’s important to consult with a criminal defense attorney to obtain the best outcome.

Amount of Drug

Just as the type of drug makes a difference in how you’re prosecuted and the punishments you receive, the amount of drug you have on you and the amount of drug you’re selling also makes a difference. It probably won’t surprise you to learn that the more of the drug you were caught selling, the worse it is for you in a court of law.

Criminal Record

If it’s the first time you were ever caught doing something like this, you might have an easier time getting a reduced sentence or more lenient punishments then you will if this is something you do habitually. Habitual offenders are almost always treated more harshly than first-time offenders, no matter what the crime. Selling drugs is treated differently in different states, as well, but your criminal record will almost always be considered.

Aggravating Circumstances

Aggravating circumstances are things that make your case worse. in other words, if you were selling drugs and you were also engaging in violent behavior, that violent behavior is an aggravating circumstance. If you have aggravating circumstances that contribute to your case, you may have to defend more than simply your active selling drugs. Aggravating circumstances typically lead to harsher sentences and punishments, as well.

Mitigating Circumstances

In contrast, mitigating circumstances are those circumstances that help you in court. For instance, if you claim that you weren’t the main seller but that you were simply the accomplice, that might work in your favor. Additionally, if you’ve never done anything like this before, the lack of a criminal record might be seen as a mitigating circumstance. The more mitigating circumstances you have in your favor, the more likely you are to obtain a favorable outcome. Mitigating circumstances also make it easier for you to negotiate lighter sentences.

It’s never a good idea to try to defend yourself in a court of law. Law schools exist for a reason. Lawyers exist for a reason. The legal system is designed to be confusing to the average person. That’s why it’s always important to hire a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney in your area if you were caught selling drugs. Book a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney in your state today and make the first step down the road towards defending your rights and your freedom.

 

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