When it comes to drug crimes, both state and federal laws apply. State drug charges may result in less severe penalties than federal drug charges.
This largely depends on the amount and type of substance that authorities find on you. For example, many states no longer criminalize small amounts of marijuana, but small amounts of cocaine may still result in a federal drug charge.
Charges for possession
According to FindLaw, it is a federal crime to possess any amount of an illicit substance. In Florida, however, no longer criminalizes marijuana possession in small amounts. If you are not a medical marijuana patient, you may have up to 20g on you and only receive a misdemeanor. If you have other misdemeanors on your record, however, you may receive more severe penalties.
Charges for dealing and trafficking
Drug dealing and drug trafficking are essentially the same crime but done on a different level. Drug dealing usually involves only one person selling a substance in a small amount. Because of the small-scale nature of drug dealing, punishments and penalties are generally less severe.
Drug trafficking, on the other hand, is always a felony and involves transporting large amounts of illegal substances. Drug trafficking generally involves a group of people or at least more than just one individual.
Charges for manufacturing
Drug manufacturing is another type of drug crime that deals with the production of illegal substances. You can receive charges for manufacturing if you are involved in any part of the process.
It is also important to understand how the type of drug will affect the charges you receive. Florida has different laws that apply to charges involving marijuana.
