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Drug possession penalties vary by location

On Behalf of | Mar 23, 2018 | Drug Charges |

In Iowa, like in many regions of the country and the world, possession of controlled substances may be a criminal offense. Depending on the type of substance a person has as well as the quantity in their possession, people could be charged with serious misdemeanors or felonies, and they could face penalties ranging from fines to prison time.

Across the country, every state sets its own penalties for drug possession, although some drug crimes carry federal charges, such charges may involve an element of interstate trafficking and do not apply to simple possession cases. There has been a growing debate about the efficacy of aggressive prosecution in dealing with drug issues. Many states have moved towards the legalization or decriminalization of marijuana, for example. In many European countries, an emphasis is put on treating drugs as a social problem more than as a criminal issue, while in Portugal, drug possession is entirely decriminalized.

However, in other countries, like Saudi Arabia or Singapore, drug possession charges can carry far more serious consequences, with lengthy jail terms, physical punishment or even the death penalty in some drug possession cases. In Iowa, while marijuana possession may carry lesser penalties than possession of other Schedule I controlled substances, even a small amount for personal use could mean six months in jail and a $1,000 fine for a first offender. For other types of illegal drugs, first offense possession charges could result in a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,875; in either case, the charge is a serious misdemeanor.

People who are facing drug charges in Iowa should be prepared to face aggressive prosecution and strict laws. A criminal defense attorney may be able to help people accused of drug possession, marijuana possession or other offenses to present a strong defense in court, including challenging unconstitutional searches or other problematic police behavior.

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