Cocaine is a potent stimulant made from coca plant leaves that are native to South America. It produces short-term energy, euphoria, and talkativeness. It can be either snorted or dissolved in water and injected into the bloodstream in its powdered form. Crack cocaine, on the other hand, is a form of cocaine that can be smoked.

Federal law includes cocaine in its list of narcotics that cannot be manufactured, distributed, or possessed in the United States. An offense that involves either crack cocaine or cocaine are prosecuted aggressively, and possession of any controlled substance—including cocaine—can be considered to be a violation of both state and federal statutes.

While studies show that cocaine usage throughout the country has been trending downward and has even flattened out over the last two decades, possession, manufacturing, trafficking, and distribution are still offenses that are punished very severely throughout the U.S.

Cocaine charges are not to be taken lightly, and its penalties reflect the gravity of the matter. Even with just a small amount of cocaine intended for personal use, you could be facing tough penalties. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be facing a permanent criminal record, hefty fines, suspension of your driver’s license, and several years behind bars. You not only place your freedom on the line with these charges, but also your job, your family, and your future.

Whether you are a cocaine addict, a recreational user, a dealer who doesn’t use drugs, or even an innocent individual involved in a drug sweep, cocaine charges can expose you to serious and life-altering consequences. Dealing with criminal charges is not something you should do without having a skilled attorney fighting for your rights and your future.

If you are facing potential cocaine charges, there is no time to spare. It is crucial that you seek legal representation from a qualified attorney immediately and start building your defense. An experienced and knowledgeable attorney can investigate your drug charge thoroughly and use all legal tactics available to minimize the consequences and achieve the best possible outcome for your particular circumstances.