By participating in a diversion program, eligible defendants may avoid:Misdemeanor Penalties – Up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.Felony Drug Sentences – 6 months to 11 years in prison and fines up to $20,000.Long-term criminal records – Completing a program may result in case dismissal and record sealing.Collateral Consequences of a Traditional Drug ConvictionIf an individual does not qualify for diversion or alternative sentencing, they may face:Difficulty obtaining employment or housing due to a criminal record.Loss of federal financial aid for higher education.Revocation of professional licenses for regulated professions.Increased penalties for any future drug-related offenses.

Even if a search was conducted unlawfully, drug charges can still carry serious penalties, including:Misdemeanor Possession – Up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.Felony Drug Charges – 6 months to 11 years in prison and fines up to $20,000.Drug Trafficking – Mandatory prison sentences for large-scale distribution.Collateral Consequences of an Unlawful Drug ConvictionA permanent criminal record, impacting employment and housing.Loss of federal student loans and professional licenses.Civil asset forfeiture, where the government seizes property linked to drug activity.Immigration consequences for non-citizens, including deportation or denial of citizenship.

Felony Charges – 6 months to life in prison, depending on the type and quantity of the drug.Fines – Up to $20,000 for high-level offenses.Mandatory Sentences – Certain trafficking offenses require prison time without parole.Collateral Consequences of a Drug Trafficking ConvictionPermanent criminal record restricting job and housing opportunities.Loss of professional licenses and certifications.Seizure of assets linked to drug activity.Enhanced penalties for repeat offenses.

Misdemeanor Possession – Up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.Felony Possession – 6 months to 11 years in prison and fines up to $20,000, depending on the substance and quantity.Aggravated Possession – Applies to Schedule I and II drugs, with mandatory prison sentences for large amounts.Collateral Consequences of a Drug Possession ConvictionA criminal record affecting employment and housing opportunities.Driver’s license suspension.Loss of federal student aid eligibility.Increased penalties for future offenses.

The penalties for drug offenses vary based on the classification of the drug, the quantity involved, and whether there was an intent to distribute.

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Misdemeanor Drug Possession – Fines up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail.

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Felony Drug Possession – 6 months to 11 years in prison and fines up to $20,000.

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Drug Trafficking – 6 months to life in prison, with enhanced penalties for large-scale distribution.

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Drug Manufacturing – Felony charges with mandatory prison sentences for operating drug labs or growing illegal substances.

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Prescription Drug Fraud – Felony charges with penalties including imprisonment, fines, and loss of professional licenses.

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Collateral Consequences of a Drug Conviction

Beyond criminal penalties, a drug conviction can have lasting repercussions, including:A permanent criminal record, affecting job opportunities and housing applications.Loss of federal student loan eligibility.

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Driver’s license suspension for certain drug offenses.Loss of professional licenses for healthcare workers, commercial drivers, and other regulated professions.Immigration consequences for non-citizens, including deportation or denial of naturalization.

Misdemeanor Possession – Up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.Felony Possession or Trafficking – 6 months to 11 years in prison and fines up to $20,000.Prescription Fraud – Felony charges with potential loss of professional licenses.Collateral Consequences of a Prescription Drug ConvictionDifficulty obtaining future medical prescriptions.Loss of professional licenses for healthcare workers, CDL holders, and pharmacists.Ineligibility for government benefits and student loans.Permanent criminal record affecting employment and housing opportunities.

Fifth-Degree Felony – 6 to 12 months in prison and fines up to $2,500.Fourth-Degree Felony – 6 to 18 months in prison and fines up to $5,000.Third-Degree Felony – 1 to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.Second-Degree Felony – 2 to 8 years in prison and fines up to $15,000.First-Degree Felony – 3 to 11 years in prison and fines up to $20,000.Collateral Consequences of a Felony Drug ConvictionA permanent criminal record affecting employment and housing opportunities.Loss of voting rights and firearm ownership.Driver’s license suspension.Immigration consequences for non-citizens, including deportation.