Drugs are the substances that are classified as ‘controlled substances’ by the Massachusetts Generals Laws. There are actually five classes of drugs that are crimes to possess and distribute. What are these drugs?
Remember, convictions for possession of drugs result in a loss of your license to drive!
Class A Drugs:
- Heroin
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Ketamine (Special K)
Class B Drugs:
- Cocaine
- Crack
- amphetamines
- methadone
- LSD
- PCP
Class C Drugs:
- Peyote
- Mescaline
Class D Drugs:
- Marijuana
Class E Drugs:
- Prescription drugs that are not mixed with narcotics.
For a complete and extensive listing of the different classes of drugs in Massachusetts, you can look at the Massachusetts General Laws Website.
PENALTIES FOR DRUG DISTRIBUTION:
Class A Punishments:
First Offense
- jail not more than 2 and 1/2 years
- OR state prison not more than 10 years
- OR fine of between $1000 and $1000 dollars
- OR both fine and jail or imprisonment
Second or Subsequent Offense
- state prison not less than five or more than fifteen years (at least five years)
- fine of not less than $2500 or more than $25000 dollars
Class B Punishments:
First Offense
- jail not more than 2 1/2 years
- OR state prison not more than 10 years
- OR a fine not less than $1000 and not more than $10,000
- OR imprisonment in jail or state prison AND a fine.
Second or subsequent offense:
- State Prison for not less than 3 or more than 10 years (You must serve 3 years!)
- A fine of not less than $2500 or more $25,000 dollars (in addition to prison sentence, not instead of a prison sentence)
Class C Punishments:
First Offense:
- jail or house of correction for not more than two and a half years
- OR in state prison for not more than five years OR
- a fine of between $500 and $5,000
Second or Subsequent:
- state prison for not less than two and a half years but not more than ten years (i.e. you must serve at least 2 and 1/2 years)
- OR jail not less than two years nor more than 2 1/2 years (i.e. you must serve at least 2 years)
- you may be ordered to pay a fine of between $1000 and $10,000.
Class D Punishments:
First Offense
- jail not more than 2 years
- OR fine of not less than $500 and not more than $5000
- OR both fine and imprisonment.
Second Offense
- not less than 1 or more than 1 and 1/2 years in jail (must serve a year)
- fine of between $1000 and $10,000 dollars
- OR both fine and jail
If you have been charged with any of the above crimes you NEED an ATTORNEY. The Commonwealth has to proving that you knowingly possessed the drug (and that it is in fact the drug in question) and that you distributed it. You can contact The Law Office of Jessica Foley for a consultation! You can also call TOLL FREE at 866-981-7888.
