Federal and state laws cover many types of drug crimes. State drug laws may be narrower provided they don’t conflict with federal drug laws. Federal drug charges usually produce longer sentences, while state drug charges may involve short-term sentencing or even probation. Whatever types of drug crime is involved, having any kind of drug conviction on your record will surely have severe consequences. This article provides an overview of some common types of drug crimes.


Generally, “drug paraphernalia” describes any equipment that’s utilized to prepare, inject, inhale, or hide illegal drugs. Additionally, it describes any equipment accustomed to hide or produce drugs. Based on the National Drug Intelligence Center, it’s illegal for anybody to market, import, or export any drug paraphernalia. Types of drug paraphernalia include but aren’t restricted to:

A wide variety of pipes
Rolling papers

The problem that frequently occurs with drug paraphernalia is that some are designed to look as if they are designed for legal purposes. Including, many bongs include labeling stating that they should only be used with tobacco. Even with such a label, you can be charged with drug paraphernalia depending on the place you purchased the item or how the item looks.


The laws on drug possession differ from state to state depending on the type of drug involved and the amount. However, it’s a crime under both federal and state drug laws to possess any illicit controlled substances like marijuana, cocaine, or heroin. A person in possession of an illegal drug may be charged with simple possession or with possession with intent to distribute. Simple possession is often the charge for someone who has possession of a small quantity of drugs, while a large amount could lead to a charge of possession with the intent to distribute and harsher penalties. The same drug paraphernalia laws above may be included within a drug possession charge also.


Drug trafficking and distribution laws make it illegal to sell, transport, and import illegal controlled substances like marijuana and cocaine. As a felony, drug trafficking and distribution is a more serious crime than just drug possession because it usually includes the transportation of a large amount of drugs. However, merely possessing large quantities of an illegal drug may lead police to believe that you intended to sell the narcotics and they may charge you with distribution. If convicted of drug trafficking, the sentence can be anywhere from 3 years to life in prison.


A person may be charged with drug manufacturing if he or she is involved with any step of the production process of an illegal drug. The delivery of any illicit drug is also considered a crime under federal and state laws. Usually prosecutors must prove intent to manufacture and possession in order to convict an alleged drug manufacturer. If convicted, a drug manufacturer could face fines and prison time.


“Drug dealing” generally refers to the selling of illegal drugs on a smaller scale. It’s important to remember that trafficking and dealing are defined differently among states and under federal law. Since drug dealing usually consists of one person selling a small amount, the punishment is less severe than selling larger amounts. As stated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) which sets federal penalties for drug dealing and trafficking, selling under 50 grams of marijuana can result in a sentence of up to 5 years and a fine of $250,000. However, a sale of 1,000 kilograms of marijuana can lead to a sentence of 10 years or higher to life.


If you or someone close has been arrested on a drug charge, you need to know your rights to bail.
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Facts about Drug Crimes

  • The sad truth about individuals who commit drug crimes such as possession of drugs, trafficking and manufacturing drugs are that 80% of offenders abuse drugs and/or alcohol, 50% of individuals who are in jail are addicted to substances. Over half of all crimes committed in the United States have illicit drug use as a factor in the crime being committed and they need a bail bond written to get them out of jail.
  • Incarceration has little or no effect on drug abuse, a bail bond will get out of jail but you need to get the type of help such as substance abuse treatment to help with the root of the problem. After being bailed out jail 60-80% of the drug abusers commit a new drug driven crime and the same bonding company can write your new bail bond. Even if the drug abuser seeks treatment 95% fail to complete their treatment and return to using drugs.
  • The United States in prisons more people than 26 European nations. Drug abuse in the United States is at an epidemic level and we need desperately to have reform in our prison systems to help rectify this growing problem.