Factors Influencing Richmond Drug Penalties
When dealing with a possession or distribution charge, the main factors influencing Richmond drug penalties are the presence of many different kinds of drugs, possession of guns, and if the charge comes compounded with other charges such as carjacking or larceny. Multiple charges combined with a drug charge could definitely have some adverse effects.
If you are facing drug charges, you may want to know more on this topic. An experienced attorney may be able to answer any questions you might have and could potentially provide you with the legal representation you need. Contact a Richmond drug lawyer today.
Amount of Drugs Possessed
Factors influencing Richmond drug penalties are the number of drugs possessed, the type of drug charge, and the type of drug. For instance, a first-offense simple possession of marijuana charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor. A person faces anywhere from zero to 30 days in jail. On a second offense, it remains a Class 1 misdemeanor but now it is elevated to zero to 12 months.
If it is found that an individual was distributing drugs, there could be potential penalties added on top of a normal drug possession charge.
Possession with the Intent to Distribute
The next elevated penalty is for possession with intent to distribute. If someone has less than half an ounce of marijuana, they may be facing a Class 1 misdemeanor and zero to 12 months in jail. Possession with intent to distribute more than half an ounce of marijuana, but less than five pounds of marijuana, is going to be a Class 5 felony, anywhere from zero to 10 years in jail.
Possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute of five pounds or more is punishable by five to 30 years. A third offense is punishable by five years to life in prison, with a mandatory minimum of five years in jail. Distribution of marijuana to a prisoner, or distribution within a prison, is a Class 4 felony punishable by two to 10 years in jail. Distribution of marijuana in a school zone is punishable by one to five years in jail.
Scheduled Controlled Substances
In regards to Schedule I and Schedule II substances, simply possessing is a Class 5 felony punishable by zero to 10 years. Manufacture, sale, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute carries five to 40 years. Possession with intent to distribute on a second or subsequent offense is punishable by five years to life with a mandatory minimum of three years. Possession with intent to distribute on a third offense is going to be 10 years to life with a mandatory minimum of 10 years.
If someone is caught with 100 grams of heroin for distribution, they face five years to life with a mandatory minimum of five years. For 500 grams of cocaine, the sentence is five to life with a mandatory minimum of five years. With 10 grams or more of methamphetamines, penalties are five years to life with a mandatory minimum of five years. Distribution in school zones carries penalties of one to five years.
Simple possession of a Schedule III drug is a Class 1 misdemeanor carrying zero to 12 months in jail. Manufacture, sale, distribution, or possession with intent to distribute is a Class 5 felony with zero to 10 years for every substance except for steroids. Possession of a Schedule IV substance carries zero to six months.
If you wish to learn more about these specific factors influencing Richmond drug penalties, contact a Richmond drug lawyer for more information.
Reach Out to a Richmond Drug Attorney
For help understanding the penalties that apply to your case, reach out to a Richmond drug attorney. After a careful analysis of the facts, they could explain the relevant laws, potential penalties, and any aggravating factors. They could also help you build a strong defense and fight for a positive resolution of your charges. Call today for a consultation.
