Drug Offenses Are on the Rise – What Is Happening with the Penalties

There are different types of drugs, but its effect is all the same. Drug use can affect people who take them and the people around them. It is very addictive and will affect not only your physical and mental health but your whole life. Since drug offenses are on the rise, the government puts stronger measures in place for drug usage and supply. 

Continue reading to see what’s happening with the penalties. 

Fines

Minor drug offences convictions result in fines. However, the penalties are getting more and more expensive. These fines can range from $100 to $100,000 or more depending on the charges. No matter what drugs you have as long as it is included in the Drugs, Poisons, and Controlled Substances Act 1981, you can get charged for it. Fines from people who are carrying, using, and selling drugs are not enough. This leads to the next penalty, which is incarceration. 

Incarceration

Drug use is very addictive, and it can cause a recurrence of offenses. Incarceration penalties for drug offences are becoming tougher. In Australia, one of the countries with the most strict laws, there are four levels followed. If you possess as many as 10 grams of methamphetamines, you can get a jail term of no less than one year. You can get a jail sentence of a minimum of five years for 10 to 50 grams of controlled substances, ten years for the possession of 50 to 200 grams of controlled substances, and fifteen years for those in possession of 200 grams or more of any controlled substances.

The jail sentences differ per country or state, but it is guaranteed that it is harsher, so people will rethink using and selling highly addictive drugs.

Probation 

Some states carry the possibility of special probation for drug offenders. If they plead to a term of Drug Offender Probation (DOP), they can be under it for 18 months to 2 years. If the drug offender is under probation, they need to regularly check in to legal officers and comply with given terms such as:

• Drug tests
• Evaluation and treatment
• Curfew and travel restrictions
• Employment
• Loss of drivers license

Failing to follow probation terms can lead to jail time. 

Diversion and Rehabilitation

The severity of your penalty will depend on various factors such as the drug involved, the circumstance, and your criminal history. The government also helps drug offenders to change their lives. Under this program, you will go into counseling, treatment program, and rehabilitation. Same as probation, if the offender fails to follow the rules, the prosecution will proceed to possession charges.

If you or someone you know needs help with drug-related offenses, it would be best to seek legal service. Remember that the government did these necessary steps to send a louder and stronger message to everyone who is doing this wicked act. This is done to suppress people from doing the deed all over again. The government, together with all of the legal authorities, are helping each other to deter drug abuse and change their lives for the better.