The most commonly type of crimes that are prosecuted in the United States in this day and age involve drug charges. In point of fact, even those crimes that are not directly related to the buying, selling or possession of drugs tend to have a connection to illegal drugs on some level. Through this article you are provided an overview of drug charges and penalties in this day and age.

Since the beginning of what has become known as the War on Drugs, penalties for drug related offenses have increased dramatically. This particularly was the case beginning in the mid-1980s - although there has been no real abatement when it comes to drug crime related penalties at this juncture in time.

The fact is that the heightened prosecution of drug related offenses as well as an increase in the terms of incarceration that have been imposed in regard to these types of crimes has resulted in a very significant increase in the overall prison population in the United States. Presently, the number of individuals who are incarcerated clocks in at about 2,000,000.

The most significant sentence for drug charges are handed down to individuals who are involved in the selling of drugs. More often than not these individuals who are facing drug charges are also facing at least one charge of conspiracy - the idea being that a person does not sell drugs in isolation. The combination of drug and conspiracy charges ends up increasing a penal term or sentence significantly.

As an aside, a significant number of individuals facing drug charges relating to the sale of these illegal substances are ending up being prosecuted in Federal Court. Of course, many drug charges are also prosecuted in state court as well. However, when in Federal Court, a defendant in most instances will end up facing a longer period of time incarcerated when convicted and sentenced.

Charges for drug possession in some instances are not minimal either. More than anything else, what results in the length of a term of sentence for different possession drug charges if the type of drug a person possession and the quantity of that illegal substance. Moreover, if a person has had at least one prior conviction for similar types of drug charges, the length of a sentence will be increased significantly in many instances.

The bottom line is that if you are facing the prospect of drug charges it is crucial that you obtain legal counsel and representation immediately. You cannot be dilatory when in comes to seeking an attorney to represent you in regard to possible or pending drug charges. Prompt representation can make all the difference when it comes to protecting your own rights when you are facing the specter of drug charges.

Keep in mind that there are attorneys who specialize specifically in representing people who are facing drug charges. Therefore, you likely would be best served identifying and engaging such an attorney who does have experience in representing individuals facing drug charges.

Jeff Ryan creates quality legal articles to help you learn more about common legal issues. His portfolio spans a medley of legal topics such as personal injury, criminal, accident, malpractice and more.

To research other legal topics or to view the lawyer directory to find an attorney, go to APLawyers.com.

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