Are All Drug Crimes Punished the Same Way?
Certain crimes and certain drugs result in more severe punishment than others. For example, if you are caught with a small amount of marijuana for personal use, the penalties you face are less serious than if you are caught with cocaine.
Other factors, such as a first or second offense, or the amount of the substance you carry, greatly influences the penalties you face. And of course, selling drugs is a much more serious crime than simple possession.
Penalties for drug dealing in Pennsylvania
While most marijuana offenses are considered misdemeanors, you should still hire a Bucks County criminal defense lawyer if you are accused of possession or distribution. In Pennsylvania, distribution of 1,000 pounds or less of marijuana can result in up to five years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines.
Cocaine is dealt with much more harshly than marijuana. As Bucks County criminal defense lawyers can explain in more detail, conviction for distribution of cocaine can result in fifteen years in prison. Furthermore, you must pay a minimum of $250,000 in fines. A subsequent offense or sale to minors automatically doubles these fines. There are also online legal resources you can access at Drug Strike Force.
Penalties for drug dealing in New Jersey
In New Jersey, the distribution of even one ounce of marijuana is considered a felony and is punishable by up to eighteen months in prison and $25,000 in fines. Sale of twenty-five pounds or more is punishable by $300,000 in fines and up to twenty years in prison.
Like Pennsylvania, cocaine is dealt with harshly in New Jersey. If accused of a cocaine-related crime, do not hesitate to contact a New York City criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Distribution of five ounces or more of cocaine carries mandatory imprisonment with a maximum of twenty-five years and $300,000 in fines. Selling to minors or a pregnant female automatically doubles these penalties.
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