Addiction specifically refers to the state of a physiological and psychological dependence on drugs or alcohol. There are other general forms of addiction such as sex addiction, gambling and internet addiction. However, whenever the issues of addictions come up, they usually refer to drugs or alcohol.
Indeed, people with all forms of addictions are capable of getting involved in a variety of legal problems. The most common Legal Issues of Addiction are mainly in the various acts of drug possession and drug trafficking.
In many states and also in most countries, drug possession is a misdemeanor or felony depending on the degree of the arrest. Some factors that contribute to the difference between a misdemeanor and felony include the amount of drugs, drugs found in a vehicle, or the conspiracy to distribute the narcotics. The most common drugs found in these arrests are cocaine, heroin and marijuana. In the case of a misdemeanor, there are various classes to which drug possession belong. Having a certain amount of drug in your possession is either Class 1 misdemeanor or the Class 2, 3 and 4. This refers to people having various specified little amount of drugs in their possession. Having a greater amount of narcotics in your possession is a felony.
In the Legal Issues of Addiction, possessing a small amount of heroin, cocaine or marijuana is a misdemeanor. This is usually punishable under the various criminal codes of conduct in all the states. A felony may require a jail term and with a fine of $2500. However, it all depends on the amount of the drugs found on the person. People found with fewer drugs may serve a jail term between three to six months with lower fines to be paid. Ultimately, the court system and judge decides the appropriate requirements for each individual case.
Once the person appears in front of the court, the presiding Judge reads out the charges against the person. He or she is also allowed to enter a plea of guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If the plea of ‘guilty’ is entered, the case ends as the Judge reads out the sentence. However, if the person enters the plea of “not guilty”, the case is adjourned while the person is given more time to work on their case with their attorney.
In all, when you are involved in Legal Issues of Addiction, it is said to always plead ‘not guilty’ as this will give you the chance for your attorney to help you argue the case. With the help of a lawyer, you are sure of getting a better hearing when next the case is called up in the court. That being said, an attorney can turn down pleas, or accept one that he sees suitable. You can get help for your addiction at our
Florida drug rehab.
