Common Student Drug Offenses

It is no surprise that college students are among the most likely demographic to use and abuse drugs. This is partly due to the fact that college is the first time that most students live without parental supervision. College students are also under enormous pressure from their classwork. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 20 percent of college students aged 18-22 used an illicit drug in the past month. To learn about the common Michigan student drug offenses, contact an experienced student drug defense attorney.

The acceptance of marijuana use in America has become more common in recent years, however, recreational marijuana is still illegal in this state. In Michigan, medical marijuana is legal, but the law still makes it possible for a person to be arrested for possessing medical marijuana. This is because individuals need to meet certain medical conditions in order to be prescribed medical marijuana.

Students from all backgrounds are caught using or possessing different types of illegal drugs, but the number one drug is marijuana. Marijuana is the most prevalent and openly used drug. Younger generations tend to view it as a less culpable crime and think of its use as a recreational activity.

Another one of the most common Michigan student drug offenses is prescription drug abuse. When drugs are prescribed and the individual using the drug does not have the prescription in their name, it is illegal. Prescription medication abuse is on the rise across the country and it is rampant for college students. Misuse of prescription medications is increasing, even for those to whom it is prescribed. Overuse or using a drug in a different manner than it is prescribed to get high is becoming very common.

Another factor in prescription drug abuse is the intent to distribute drugs. When it comes to illegal drugs, the amount becomes important because each drug has a different amount attached to it. At some point, drug use crosses the threshold from personal use to a potential for distribution to others. After a certain amount of drugs is reached, the individual is considered by law to be a drug dealer.

It does not make sense to punish only the users because users mainly affect only themselves and their immediate family. Drug dealers affect everyone because they are providing people with the means to become users. Without the drug dealers, many drug users would not exist. Therefore, the penalties for distributing drugs are more severe than possession. Personal drug use might involve a deferral program treatment type initiative, whereas a person dealing drugs could face more severe consequences such as numerous years in prison. Drug dealing is one of the most serious and common Michigan student drug offenses.

Performance-enhancing drugs are popular on college expenses. Most colleges have athletic programs and many athletes want to compete at a high level, therefore, they may take performance-enhancing drugs. However, these substances are typically illegal according to the NCAA's rules. As a result, someone caught using performance-enhancing drugs should consider obtaining the representation of an attorney who understands the various defenses to these drugs being found in someone's system. An individual using performance-enhancing drugs faces criminal sanctions and an athlete is looking at the loss of scholarships and future employment.

It is important to remember that the NCAA has its own set of rules and regulations on how to deal with athletes who test positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Some of the supplements that an individual uses may not be banned under state or federal law, however, they still may be prohibited by the NCAA. Anything that alters a person's body in a way that may give them an unfair advantage over another competitor is cheating. Call a knowledgeable attorney to learn more about the common Michigan student drug offenses and how a dedicated lawyer could help defend you if you have been charged with a drug crime.