Did you know that many illicit drugs are ‘cut’ with other substances?
What is Meant by ‘Drug Mixtures?’
Most federal drug laws penalize individuals for having a pure illicit substance or a mixture containing any detectable amount. This is an important distinction, as many drug substances are not pure when being distributed or sold. For example, powdered cocaine is often mixed with other substances. This is so that the individual selling the drug has more of the pure substance to mix and sell.
So, are penalties the same for drug offenses involving pure substances or mixtures? Are charges and penalties lighter if someone possesses less of the pure substance?
Penalties for Drug Mixtures
Generally, penalties for drug crimes are the same whether or not the illicit substance was mixed with something else. For example, if someone is found to be possessing 10 grams of pure cocaine, and someone else possesses 5 grams of pure cocaine mixed with 5 grams of creatine, then both individuals would face the same charges and penalties despite one having more pure cocaine in their possession.
The penalties are kept the same to dissuade people from engaging in drug crime by keeping harsh penalties for all offenses, regardless of the substance’s true chemical makeup.
Other substances that are commonly mixed into cocaine and drug mixtures include:
- Laundry detergent
- Caffeine
- Laxatives
- Boric acid
Drug penalties vary from possession to trafficking. Misdemeanor charges may result in a relatively low fine and short jail sentence, while the penalties after a felony or federal conviction are much more severe.
Drug Crime Defense in Miami, Florida
The law does not go easier on individuals who commit offenses using drug mixtures. If you are charged after being found in possession of a pure or mixed illicit substance, Hager & Schwartz, P.A. is the team to call. Reach us at (305) 330-1360 or click here to request a case review with our Miami criminal defense attorneys.