Penalties for drug use can be severe. The exact penalties a person will face because of drug charges depends on a variety of factors. These factors include the type of drug involved in the case, how much of the drug was found and where the drugs were found. Other factors such as whether the person was found selling, manufacturing or cultivating a drug can also affect the particular charges and penalties the person faces. Finally, whether or not the person faces these charges in state or federal court also makes a big difference.
These factors affect every type of drug, even marijuana. Even though Oregon has relaxed its drug laws concerning marijuana, the federal government officially has not. Therefore, people can still face harsh penalties for marijuana use, cultivation or trafficking.
In particular, marijuana cultivation can result in long prison sentences if a person is convicted under federal law. Unlike many states, the federal government treats marijuana like other Schedule I drugs. These are the most serious types of illegal drugs and always carry more severe penalties than drugs in other schedules.
Even in small amounts, the penalties are serious. Under federal law, a person cultivating less than 50 marijuana plants can still be sentenced to up to five years in prison. If a person is growing 1,000 or more plants, then the person could be sentenced to up to life in prison as a result. These penalties can apply even in states, like Oregon, with legal medical marijuana and recreational use programs.
It is important for Oregon residents to understand the particular penalties and charges they can face if caught manufacturing or cultivating illegal substances. Federal court can be particularly harsh. In these cases, an attorney is often helpful.
No Comments
Leave a comment