by Ray Dall’Osto & Steven McGaver

While criminal charges can result in serious consequences, those who are arrested and charged with drug crimes, particularly those involving opioids and distribution, will face zealous prosecution and a significantly greater risk of incarceration. Charges related to the possession of controlled substances are serious, but accusations of drug trafficking (sale and/or distribution, possession with intent to deliver and manufacturing) are more likely to result in severe punishment, as well as a felony record. Those facing drug charges should make sure they understand the nature of the charges and their options for defense.

Drug Crime Statistics

If the State issues charges against you for drug paraphernalia, you may wonder how severe of consequences you face, especially if police did not find drugs on your person. Wisconsin law typically considers possession of drug paraphernalia a misdemeanor. Although a misdemeanor is not considered as serious as a felony charge,, you may still face jail time and any conviction could have consequences for you later in life. Further, Wisconsin classifies any drug paraphernalia possession that relates to methamphetamine use as a felony.

It is critical that you fight a charge of drug paraphernalia possession. Convictions like these can follow people as they attempt to get employment, housing, or an education. If you have other convictions on your record, a drug paraphernalia conviction could be used to show that you have a history of disregarding the law.

Hiring an experienced Milwaukee criminal attorney will help you understand your options, including seeking drug treatment or another program that may mitigate the charges you face.

by Jason Luczak and Steve McGaver

Alcohol and drug use by teenagers and young adults under age 21 is prevalent in Wisconsin. This conduct can have serious legal consequences, e.g., detectable levels while driving a motor vehicle; if arrested at a party that is raided; where firearms or fighting is involved; or controlled substances that are shared with a friend, who subsequently dies.

Recent Statistics on Alcohol and Drug Use

Across the country, staggering numbers of people are becoming addicted to opioids and are dying from drug overdose. Like the rest of the country, Wisconsin residents are facing the opioid epidemic as well.

The increase in opioid use has resulted in an increase in the number of people charged with drug crimes. If you are charged with drug possession, it is important that you contact a lawyer who can review your case and advise you of your legal options.

What Are Opioids?

A recent study shows that the use of many illegal substances is down among U.S. teens. The only substance that did not see a decline in usage was marijuana, which remained stable. Conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH), the results are based on the Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey of teenagers in the eighth, tenth and twelfth grades. Public health officials are encouraged by the findings and believe that consistent and fact-based public service campaigns have contributed to the declining numbers.

Alcohol and Cigarette Use Declines

The number of teens who reported that they have “been drunk” in the past year are at the lowest point ever in the MTF survey’s history.  In 2016, 37.3 percent of high school seniors reported in the survey as being drunk at least once. This number peaked in 2001, when 53.2 percent of seniors reported that they had been drunk at least once in the previous year.