Drug charges may sometimes lead to harsh penalties that can impact and influence all areas of life. Students might not have an awareness of this, but it is important that they do.
It is also important to understand potential defense options and to know all available rights and protections when it comes to the possibility of conviction for drug crimes.
Charges for certain classifications of drugs
The U.S. Department of Justice discusses different drugs and their classifications. Depending on the classification of certain drugs and the type of crime they saw involvement in, the penalties can change quite drastically.
It is illegal in Wisconsin to have any controlled substances without a prescription. For example, even a possession of marijuana charge could come with a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 6 months in jail.
Meanwhile, the possession of a Schedule I drug can lead to much more serious and long-lasting consequences. This can include up to three and a half years in prison and a potential fine of up to $10,000.
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Even possessing items related to drugs – i.e., drug paraphernalia – can come with a heavy cost. Having any item intended for use in growing, inhaling, ingesting, storing, plating or producing any controlled substance may result in jail time of up to 30 days. Those convicted may face a fine of $500 as well.
Naturally, these are huge disruptors to anyone’s life, but especially the life of a college student. Students convicted of a drug-related crime could lose scholarships or even be kicked out of school. This is why the consequences are so crucial for all students to know.