Albuquerque Attorneys Provide Diligent Defense to Drug Crimes

Experienced trial lawyers focus on positive results

New Mexico is a border state where federal and state authorities intently monitor drug activity and aggressively prosecute offenders. If you are arrested for a drug crime in Albuquerque or its vicinity, you could find yourself in the custody of the FBI and prosecuted by the Department of Justice under strict federal drug laws. Even if you are facing state charges, the consequences for your future are severe. You need assistance from a skilled and determined defense lawyer with knowledge of the laws, the court systems and prosecution tactics. At Rasheed & Associates, P.C., we are every bit as resourceful as the opposition as we fight to give you the best defense available and to work out satisfactory disposition of charges.

Types of drug crimes in New Mexico

New Mexico law proscribes a wide range of crimes involving drugs that are categorized by schedules based on their level of danger and likelihood of abuse. Common types of drug crimes include:

• Drug trafficking — This refers to the manufacture of a controlled substance prohibited in Schedules I through V, as well as the distribution or sale of such drugs or possession of them with the intent to distribute. Drugs on these schedules include heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, steroids and various prescription drugs. Marijuana is a Schedule I(c) hallucinogenic drug.
• Transporting controlled substances — The movement of controlled substances is highly regulated. If you are transporting illicit drugs or you do not have the proper licensing to transport prescription drugs, you can be charged with drug trafficking.
• Possession of controlled substances — Individuals are not permitted to possess any amounts of drugs on Schedules I through V, except as allowed with proper licensing or prescription.
• Selling controlled substances — Sale of drugs on Schedules I through V is strictly prohibited, except for pharmacy sales of prescription drugs.
• DWI/DUI — Use of illicit drugs can result in a DWI conviction if the drug impairs your driving ability.

Drug crimes can be aggravated offenses under various circumstances, such as possession in a school zone or sale to a minor, thereby increasing the penalties upon conviction.

Penalties for drug crimes in New Mexico

The mandatory penalties for drug crimes vary widely depending on the type and amount of the drug, its place on the schedule of controlled substances and your prior record if any. For example, if you are arrested for possession of marijuana, the penalties by amount are:

• Up to 0.5 ounce — There is no jail time but there is a $50 fine
• More than 0.5 ounce and up to one ounce — For a first offense, this misdemeanor draws up to 15 days in jail and a $100 fine. A second offense is grounds for a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
• More than one ounce and up to 8 ounces — This misdemeanor offense can draw up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
• 8 ounces or more — This offense is a felony, carrying up to 1.5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

If greater amounts are involved, the authorities may charge distribution, which is a felony. Penalties range from 1.5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine for a first offense to 18 years and a $15,000 fine for trafficking in a school zone.

Whatever the drug charges you face, defenses are usually available. However, you must be certain to retain a capable and determined criminal defense attorney who is willing to fight for your future.

Contact our Albuquerque law firm for aggressive defense to drug charges

Rasheed & Associates, P.C. represents clients facing prosecution for drug offenses in the Albuquerque area. Call us at 505-847-5205 or contact us online to arrange a free initial consultation. Our office is conveniently located in downtown Albuquerque at 1024 2nd Street N.W., just off Lomas Boulevard N.W.