The US defense system is complex when it comes to drug possession and determining the charges for each type of crime. Because of the complexity, states have implemented three types of charges for the possession of drugs, including actual possession, constructive possession, and joint possession.
If you or a loved one has been arrested, a common question is “how much is bail for drug possession?” It all comes down to the circumstances related to the drug charge, the key factors include, where the drugs were found, the severity of the crime, the defendant’s financial and employment status, etc.
Bail for Drug Possession Charges
The bail for drug possession charges can be anywhere from $1,000 to $750,000. All states have different schedules for determining your total bail amount. Some of the common bail amounts are below:
- Possession of drugs with the intent to sell can have a bail from $50,000 up to $1,000,000; the total bail amount depends on the volume and the substance in the person’s possession.
- If the defendant is charged with felony drug charges, the bail amount can start from $20,000 and go higher as additional factors are included.
- Misdemeanor charges can have a bail amount of $2,500; if the defendant has violated the law for a second or any subsequent time, an additional $10,000 of bail will often be included.
The total bail amount is determined after looking at a variety of factors, including:
- Proving possession of a controlled or an illegal substance.
- Proving possession of drugs with the intent to distribute; large amounts of drugs can point to the intent to sell or distribute, and these charges are more serious.
- Proving drug trafficking which includes transport, selling, or giving away of drugs.
- Transporting drugs across state lines leads to a more serious crime that can result in higher bail amounts and years in prison.
Drug Possession Charges
There are various types of drug possession charges, including:
- Drug possession with intent to sell
A person can be charged with drug possession with the intent to sell if evidence of sales and packaging were found at the place of the crime. Or if the defendant has a large amount of cash.
- Drug trafficking
A drug trafficking charge is considered when the defendant has been suspected of transporting and selling drugs across the state or the country.
What to do?
If you or a loved one has been charged with the possession of controlled substances, charged with a felony, or has been found with drugs with the intent to sell, it’s crucial to take the right action. Posting bail is the first step, and it needs to be done as quickly as possible. If you don’t pay bail the defendant will remain in jail until a verdict has been determined.
Hire a Bail Bondsman
Drug possession charges are difficult to handle, and the total bail amount can be a tough financial burden. So, you should hire a bail bonds agent who will provide a bail bond service and post a bond on your behalf for a nonrefundable fee that is equal to 10% of the total bail amount.
This bond is a type of surety/guarantee that the defendant will appear in court on the set court date. This will save you from having to liquidate assets to cover the costs of the total bail amount. Also, you can use our drug possession bail bond calculator to determine the fee you’ll need to pay a bail bondsman.
If you believe your loved one needs help to stop possessing, selling, or using drugs, please consider contacting one of the many drug treatment centers throughout the United States.