Even first-time drug offenders can be arrested and investigated... Required response by procedure

While the drug problem has recently been discussed as a social issue, the number of drug offenders caught by the police has been found to be increasing. According to data released by the National Police Agency, 184 drug offenders were arrested from September to October last year, which is an increase of approximately 95.7% compared to the 94 people arrested during the same period last year.

The types of drugs used for administration are also expanding. In the past, it was limited to limited types such as marijuana and philopon, but these days, the scope has expanded to include cocaine, ecstasy, and yaba. In addition, cases of misuse of medical drugs such as propofol are increasing, especially in hospitals and clinics, sparking controversy.

Recently, drug distribution channels have become more diverse, which has become a problem. Unlike before, many cases of buying and selling drugs through SNS such as Telegram have been discovered. In addition, there are situations where people take drugs without their knowledge, and criminal methods are becoming more sophisticated. Last year, there was a case in an academy in Seoul where a member of a criminal organization encouraged test takers to take drinks mixed with drugs, claiming that it was a 'medicine that helps them study better.'

Drug use can cause problems in a person's daily life and harm one's health. In addition, the sentences are not light because they often lead to social problems. Those who take ketamine or ecstasy, which are known to be distributed mainly in entertainment districts such as clubs and entertainment bars, are sentenced to up to 10 years in prison or a fine of 100 million won. Even in the case of marijuana, which is widely known, it is punishable by imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine of up to 50 million won.

Additionally, even simple possession of drugs is subject to punishment. Even if the medication is not administered, a prison sentence may be imposed because it can lead to other criminal acts such as taking or selling. If you are accused of being a transporter involved in drug distribution, you may be subject to imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of up to 10 million won.

The judiciary plans to take strict action against these drug crimes. The Supreme Court Sentencing Committee has been implementing strengthened sentencing standards for drug crimes since last July. The changed standards include increasing the level of punishment for drug crimes such as large-scale drug distribution and simple possession of marijuana. In particular, as the youth drug problem has emerged, the standard range for selling and receiving drugs to minors has been expanded to a maximum of life imprisonment.

In reality, court punishment is also becoming increasingly severe. According to data from the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, among drug offenders tried last year, the proportion of those sentenced to 10 years or more in the first trial has nearly tripled in two years.

Therefore, if you are involved in a drug crime, you must develop a strategy for each procedure, from the police investigation stage to the court. If an individual solves the problem alone, legal factors may be misinterpreted and lead to unexpected results. Therefore, it is essential to respond with the assistance of experts such as lawyers with extensive relevant experience.

If you took the drug without knowing it was a drug or if you were forced to take the drug by someone else, you must actively explain the circumstances of the drug administration. It should be emphasized that the drug was taken without knowing that it was a drug at the time, and the argument should be focused on the fact that no additional drug was administered after that. Even in this case, it is important to develop a response plan with the help of a lawyer or other expert.

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Drug crimes, even first-time offenders can be arrested... Required response by procedure (Shortcut)