Federal Sanctions – Illicit Drug Laws

Pursuant to federal law, the United States Sentencing Guidelines establish mandatory minimum penalties for categories of drug offenses and provide for penalty enhancements in specific cases. Under these federal guidelines, courts can sentence a person for up to 6 years for unlawful possession of a controlled substance, including the distribution of a small amount (less than 250 grams) of marijuana; a sentence of life imprisonment can result from a conviction of possession of a controlled substance that results in death or bodily injury; and, possession of more than 5 grams of cocaine can trigger an intent to distribute penalty of 10-16 years in prison.

Federal Penalties and Sanctions for Illegal Possession of Controlled Substances

21 U.S.C. 844 (a)
1st conviction: Up to 1 year imprisonment and fined at least $1,000 but not more than $100,000, or both.
After 1 prior drug conviction: At least 15 days in prison, not to exceed 2 years and fined at least
$2,500 but not more than $250,000, or both.
After 2 or more prior drug convictions: At least 90 days in prison, not to exceed 3 years and fined at least $5,000 but not more than $250,000, or both.
Special sentencing provisions for possession of crack cocaine: Mandatory at least 5 years in prison, not to exceed 20 years and fined up to $250,000, or both, if: (a) 1st conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 5 grams; (b) 2nd crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 3 grams; or (c) 3rd or subsequent crack conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 1 gram.

21 U.S.C. 853 (a) (2) and 881 (a) (7)
Forfeiture of personal and real property used to possess or to facilitate possession of a controlled substance if that offense is punishable by more than 1 year imprisonment. (See specially sentencing provisions re: crack, above.)

21 U.S.C. 881 (a) (4)
Forfeiture of vehicles, boats, aircraft or any other conveyance used to transport or conceal a controlled substance.

21 U.S.C. 844a
Civil fine of up to $10,000

21 U.S.C. 862
Denial of Federal Benefits, such as student loans, grants, contracts, and professional and commercial licenses, up to 1 year for first offense, up to 5 years for second and subsequent offenses.

18 U.S.C. 922 (g)
Ineligible to purchase, receive, or transport a firearm.
Revocation of certain Federal licenses and benefits, e.g. pilot licenses, public housing tenancy, etc., are vested within the authorities of individual Federal agencies. Federal Penalties for Illegal Trafficking of Controlled Substances The Controlled Substances Act (CSA), Title II of the comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, is a consolidation of numerous federal laws regulating the manufacture and distribution of controlled substances. The CSA places all use, potential for abuse and safety or dependence liability. The CSA provides penalties for the unlawful manufacturing and distribution of controlled substances. The charts on pages 8-9 of the U.S. Department of Justice publication, Drug of Abuse, 1996 Edition, provides an overview of the penalties for trafficking of controlled substances.
For additional details about Federal illicit drug laws, visit the following websites:
U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency – www.dea.gov