You Can Be A Drug Dealer and Not Know It – Part 2

Dec 1, 2020 | Blog, Drugs

The issue of labeling a person as a drug dealer is up for debate. Since drug crimes present themselves in several ways, you can be a drug dealer and not know it. Moreover, a drug dealer is any person involved in the illegal selling of drugs, whether knowingly or not. This scenario places innocent people at the risk of facing jail time for drug crimes they committed mistakenly.

You can avoid possible jail time by keeping off activities involving illegal drug use. If you must sell drugs, beware of the laws governing drug sale in your state.

Types of Drug Crimes You Can Commit Unknowingly

Here are some ways you can be a drug dealer and not know it.

Paraphernalia ownership

Owning equipment like syringes, a variety of pipes, or rolling papers, which are commonly used to administer drugs may be illegal. Also, importing and exporting such gear may amount to breaking the law. Although most of the paraphernalia look like they are made for legal use, you may have to face the law depending on how the equipment looks like and where you sourced them.

Possession of drugs

Keeping drugs such as marijuana, regardless of who the drug’s owner is, may constitute a crime. The penalty a person can face for the offense varies from state to state. It is also dependent upon the amount and type of drugs in possession.

Production

While it is legal to produce some drugs in some states, it is illegal in others. You may hear that a certain state allows the production of marijuana and decide to do the same. Without checking the local laws applying to you, you may face jail time for such activities. Also, you may be breaking the law by producing a drug past a certain limit. Be sure to check on local laws before commencing production.

Trafficking

Your car or truck can transport drugs without your knowledge. Therefore, it is very crucial to be aware of what cargo finds its way into your vehicle. If convicted of trafficking, whether you knew about it or not, you may face up to three years of imprisonment.

Dealing

Selling small amounts of a drug can land you in trouble. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), selling 50 grams of marijuana may attract five-year imprisonment. Vending larger amounts can lead to life detention.

What to Do If Found Drug Dealing Without Your Knowledge

If facing a conviction for drug dealing without knowing, consult a competent attorney immediately. During your hearing, you should make the court fully aware that the crime happened without your knowledge. The court may accept your plea if:

  • You explicitly state that you didn’t know about the crime; and
  • There is evidence that you were unconscious when the crime took place

Since you can be a drug dealer and not know it, it is a good idea always to be alert. Additionally, avoid any involvement in drug dealings on which you have inadequate legal knowledge.

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Roy J. Kahn, with years of legal experience in a wide variety of criminal law, heads a “boutique” firm, which means that your attorney is Roy J. Kahn, not a paralegal. If you have been charged or are about to be charged with a crime—or if you have been contacted to be a witness in a federal grand jury case, you need a qualified defense. You should consult with an attorney immediately and know that you have a right to make no statement until you have consulted with an attorney To contact Mr. Kahn, he can be reached at 305-358-7400.