• Drug offenses can lead to jail time or fines.handcuffs image by William Berry from Fotolia.com
  
  Caffeine, nicotine, aspirin and even cough drops are all considered drugs. Some drugs are seen as harmful, some are viewed as helpful, while others still are viewed as helpful but with a potential for abuse. Drug abuse can cause serious emotional and physical damage. In order to discourage these activities, laws and penalties are in place.
  
  

Controlled Substances

• The laws and punishment for drugs are based on the Controlled Substances Act. This act assigns a "schedule" to all drugs. The schedules range from I to V. The lower the number of the schedule, the more dangerous it is considered. For example, schedule I drugs include heroine and LSD. A schedule V drug has medical use and is not considered a high risk for dependence. An example of a schedule V drug is the small amount of codeine that may be found in liquid cough suppressants.
  
  

Possession

• The criminal drug laws regarding possession of a drug vary from state to state. The amount of drugs possessed by an individual is weighed, and the weight of the drug is used to determine the amount of jail time or fine the individual will have to pay. Often, a single possession charge will not result in jail time. This depends on the drug and the amount. Some states are more lenient than others; for example, in California, someone found to possess less than 28.5 grams of marijuana will receive a $100 fine and no jail time. The laws on other substances such has crack, heroine and methamphetamine carry harsher and stricter laws in most states.
  
  

Intent to Distribute

• Most states have clear cut guidelines that use a specific weight of the drug to determine whether or not the accused individual intended to distribute the drug. The amount considered for distribution varies per state and per drug. For example, in New Jersey, a person found with five or more ounces of cocaine will be charged with a first degree offense of distribution. This carries a heavier fine and mandatory jail time, where as a charge of third degree distribution carries less of a fine and less mandatory jail time. Regardless of the amount, a person can be charged with intent to distribute if he is caught in the act of making a drug sale.