Drug Trafficking vs. Distribution
In Oklahoma, the crimes of drug trafficking and drug distribution are considered separate and distinct offenses. However, it can be difficult to tell these two charges apart.
The main difference between drug trafficking and distribution is the amount of drugs involved.
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What Is Distribution?
Oklahoma statutes do not set forth minimum amounts of a drug to qualify for distribution. In other words, the state can elevate a simple possession charge to possession with intent to distribute if you have any quantity of drugs that police believe is more than what would be considered for personal use. Generally, for marijuana, this means more than an ounce.
It is also worth noting that you do not have to actually sell the drugs for money in order to be charged with distribution. Simply giving someone a controlled or illegal substance is enough to warrant a criminal charge of drug distribution.
What Is Trafficking?
Drug trafficking, on the other hand, involves specified amounts of illegal or controlled substances. For example, you can be charged with trafficking if you are found with:
- 25 pounds of marijuana
- 28 grams of cocaine
- 30 pills or 10 grams of ecstasy/MDMA
- 500 grams of benzodiazepine
- 10 grams of heroin
- 1 gram of acid/LSD
- 1,000 grams of morphine
- 400 grams of Oxycodone
- 3,750 grams of Hydrocodone
- 20 grams of methamphetamine or amphetamine
Potential Penalties
The penalties associated with drug distribution and trafficking depend greatly on the type and amount of drug involved. However, it is important to understand that the penalties for drug trafficking are considerably higher than those imposed for drug distribution, and can reach as much as life in prison and fines up to $500,000.
Call the Hunsucker Legal Group at (405) 544-2992 to schedule a free, no-risk case consultation today.
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DEFENDING OVER 300 CRIMINAL CASES A YEAR John Hunsucker, Director on the Board of the Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyer’s AssociationServing as Oklahoma’s NCDD State Delegate, John is also a Faculty Member of the National College for DUI Defense. John and the Hunsucker team surpass the required continuing education each year and train and/or instruct not only on a statewide level, but nationally also.
