Narcotic Drugs

Narcotic Drugs

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to understand the classification of narcotic drugs in the criminal law, highlighting the difference of each. Explain the forensic evidence required to convict a drug case and lastly present an analysis of drug criminal cases, the chain of custody and the preservation of evidence which can prove the alleged crime but provide the defendant the right to cross examine or challenge the evidence provided.

Discussion

Various Federal and State laws prohibit the production, possession and distribution of various drugs and narcotics. The term narcotics is a common term used for the purpose of describing various illegal drugs, the punishment of any drug related criminal act depends on the type of drug and the nature of the offence. Narcotics are classified into distinct categories that have specific punishments in the criminal justice system. There are five classes of drugs each class is dealt with in a different manner by the criminal justice system.

Class A

Heroin

Codeine

Morphine

Ketamine

Class A drug punishments

Either one of the punishments will be considered for first time offences:

Imprisonment for 2 or 2 ½ years

State imprisonment for not more than ten years

Payable up to$10,000

Imprisonment in jail or state prison and a fine

Subsequent drug offences can result in any of the following punishments:

Imprisonment in state prison at least 5 years

Fine ranging from $2,500 to $25,000

Class B

Cocaine

Crack

Methadone

Amphetamines

Phencyclidine also known as Angel dust

Lysergic acid diethylamide

Class B Punishments

Either one of the punishments will be considered for first time offences:

Imprisonment for 2 and ½ years

State imprisonment for not more than ten years

Payable fine between $1000 to $10,000

Imprisonment in jail or state prison and a fine

In case of subsequent drug abuse any of the following will be liable

Imprisonment in state prison not less than 3 years

Fine not less than $2,500 and could go up to $25,000

Class C

Mescaline

Peyote

Class C Punishments

Either one of the punishments will be considered for first time offences:

Imprisonment or house of correction for a period not more than 2 and ½ years

Imprisonment in state prison not more than 5 years

Payable fine not less than $500 up to $5000

Imprisonment and fine.

In case of subsequent drug abuse any of the following will be liable

Class D

Marijuana

Class D Punishments

Either one of the punishments will be considered for first time offences:

Imprisonment not more than 2 years

Fine not less than $500 up to $5000

Imprisonment in jail and fine

In case of subsequent drug abuse any of the following will be liable

Imprisonment not less than more year and up ...