When an individual is charged for a crime related to drugs, the charges and punishment can vary greatly depending on the allegations. If the drug charges include anything related to drug manufacturing or intent to distribute, then it is likely the allegations will be considered a lot more serious.
Three different nineteen year olds were charged with drug charges of varying degrees of severity. The first was charged with possession of various drugs, intent to manufacture and selling and delivering a prescription drug. The second was charged with possession, intent to manufacture and sell and delivering cocaine, while trafficking in ecstasy. The third was only charged with possession of various drugs and possession of alcohol.
For each one of the defendants in those cases, there may be a strong defense that can be used to limit or eliminate jail time for all of the allegations. In fact, for some of the more serious crimes, it is likely that those could be pled down to less serious crimes, especially if any of them are first offenders. Because they are so young, they may also be entitled to a drug diversion program. What they all have in common is that they will not know what type of defenses can be put forth for their alleged crimes until they seek out assistance. Only then will a proper defense be able to forth to try and reduce charges in any way possible.
Drug charges should always be taken seriously, no matter how they come about or the age of the defendant. With the proper help, however, jail time can be eliminated entirely or shortened to much less time than the initial charges suggest.
Source: Asheville Citizen-Times, “Officers make felony drug arrests in Asheville,” Dec.17, 2012.