The government has noticed a strong tie between illegal drugs and other crimes. In fact, one study found that people who use illicit drugs are 16 times more likely to be arrested for crimes like larceny or theft. Thus, it should come as no surprise that law enforcement officials are very serious about drug charges and other drug-related crimes.
First, it is crime to participate in any stage of the creation of drugs. You can be charged with crimes such as the manufacture of illegal substances, the distribution of illicit drugs, and the possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. These are generally called drug-defined crimes. If you participate in other crimes, such as auto theft or burglary, while taking illegal drugs, these crimes are called drug-related offenses.
Next, drugs are often tied to several other types of crimes, like child endangerment. Child endangerment is a charge that is often applied to other crimes. For instance, if a person chooses to drink and drive with a child in the vehicle, the driver can be charged with DUI child endangerment. This also applies illegal drug activity. Should a person manufacture or abuse drugs in the presence of children, the drug abuser can be charged with the drug-defined charge as well as child endangerment.
Another drug-related offense is sexual assault. Some people will give victims drugs like benzodiazepines in order to make them helpless to fight back against rape or other types of sexual assault. Although benzodiazepines may be prescribed as anti-depressants, people can illegally acquire these medications to carry out various forms of sexual assault.
If you are charged with a drug-defined crime or a drug-related offense, this can leave a permanent black mark on your record. Then, you may be forced to report this on every application you fill out, work or otherwise. This can prevent you from reaching your goals and living your life normally. If you have been accused of these crimes, you should not face them without the help of an experienced attorney. For more information, please contact a Dallas drug defense lawyer from the Lassiter Law Offices today.