Penalty Info

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Drug possessionVerified against official source

Verified against official source

This range was checked against the official legal text. Last verified: 2026-10-19.

Statutory range

1st offence

Imprisonment
0 (no mandatory prison) – 1 year
Fine
Minimum $1,000 (maximum $100,000 via § 3571)

0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.

2nd offence

Imprisonment
15 days–2 years
Fine
Minimum $2,500 (maximum $250,000 via § 3571)

3rd or subsequent offence

Imprisonment
90 days–3 years
Fine
Minimum $5,000 (maximum $250,000 via § 3571)

Flunitrazepam

Imprisonment
0 (no mandatory prison) – 3 years
Fine
Per § 3571 cap (see fine-cap note)

0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.

Note on this entry

Tiers are by PRIORS only — the statute sets no quantity tiers. Civil penalty under § 844a: $0–$10,000 per violation.

Source

Statute
21 U.S.C. § 844
Official source
uscode.house.gov
Verification status
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, intent, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.