Drug crimes are often linked to criminal activities, which is why Alabama criminal laws on drugs may seem harsh. For those who are unfamiliar with how the state classifies drug-related offenses, it can be difficult to understand how different activities can warrant specific charges. Consult the helpful guide below to learn more about Alabama’s criminal laws for drug crimes.

Possession 

In Alabama, willingly having any amount of marijuana for personal use is a second-degree charge and a Class A misdemeanor, which can lead to a year in jail and a fine up to $6,000. However, if you already have a second-degree misdemeanor marijuana possession charge on your record, you can be charged with a first-degree possession, which is a Class C felony. Other controlled substances such as cocaine, heroin, crack, ecstasy, methamphetamine, and LSD hold more severe possession charges. According to the state’s criminal laws, having either of these drugs on your person can result in a Class C felony. This particular law also applies to the possession of prescription drugs such as Xanax without a valid prescription. 

Intent to Sell

Several conditions must be met if a person is caught with drugs and charged with intent to sell, including:

• Possession of eight to 28 grams of cocaine or methamphetamine
• Possession of two to eight grams of heroin or morphine
• Any amount of marijuana not for personal use

This charge is a Class B felony, and its penalties are more severe than possession charges. Jail time can range from two to 20 years, and fines can go as high as $30,000.

Manufacturing & Trafficking

The most severe drug crimes are manufacturing and trafficking, which are Class B felonies. Drug trafficking is the act of selling drugs on a large scale, especially over state or national borders. The punishments can include high minimum prison sentences up to life in prison. You can also receive a charge for manufacturing a controlled substance, and it’s illegal to have items used to produce drugs with the intent to sell. For instance, having an abundance of sinus medicine containing ephedrine is enough to warrant a charge because it’s used to make methamphetamine.

If you’re accused of a drug-related offense, you’ll need the expertise of a skilled criminal defense attorney to fight your charges, protect your rights, and secure your freedom. For more than 20 years, Angela L Walker PC Law Office has helped defendants throughout Baldwin County, AL, reduce the severity of their charges or eliminate them with her extensive knowledge of the state’s criminal laws. Call (251) 970-2575 to schedule your consultation or visit her website to learn more about drug offenses.