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Federal Drug Charges Prosecuted Less; OK Incarcerations Top Charts Anyway

The United States Sentencing Commission Released the Latest Federal Drug Charges Statistics Indicating Decline, Yet OK Correction Facilities Remain Full

August 4, 2016 “ Oklahoma City, Oklahoma “ The number of federal drug crimes being prosecuted across the nation is reaching record-breaking lows, according to a new report released by the United States Sentencing Commission. The information was published shortly after the United States Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Statistics put out a Correctional Populations bulletin which indicates Oklahoma has the second-highest incarceration rate in the country.

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The United States Sentencing Commission report indicates that federal drug charges are not down across the board for all types of drugs and offenses, but rather that the sharp decline can be largely attributed to lack of prosecution for marijuana-related crimes. In 2013, the total number of federal marijuana trafficking cases soared over 6,000. However, as states moved to legalize cannabis, the feds backed off in pursuing cases, resulting in fewer than 4,000 cases being tried as of last year. Most states that have not legalized cannabis have seen an increase in state-level cases, despite the decrease in federal cases.

Federal drug charges cases for trafficking involving other drugs, such as Methamphetamine and Heroin have increased by 1,000-2,000 cases annually. The average length for a trafficking crime remains lengthy as well, with the shortest average sentence going to those found guilty of marijuana trafficking, at 29 months. The longest sentence presently sits at 85 months, which is the average length of incarceration for someone found guilty of meth trafficking.

To schedule a no-obligation case evaluation call (405) 679-2372 or visit[OklahomaInterstateDrugLawyer.com](http://oklahomainterstatedruglawyer.com/?utm_source=Press%20Cable&utm_medium=Press%20Release&utm_term=Federal%20Drug%20Charges&utm_content=Federal%20Drug%20Charges%20Prosecuted%20Less%3B%20OK%20Incarcerations%20Top%20Charts%20Anyway&utm_campaign=Federal%20Drug%20Charges%20Prosecuted%20Less%3B%20OK%20Incarcerations%20Top%20Charts%20Anyway) now.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Justice Statistics identifies Oklahoma as having the second-highest incarceration rate in the country, with 1,310 of every 100,000 citizens behind bars. The state is topped only by Louisiana, with a rate of 1,380 per every 100,000. For comparison, Washington, D.C. has a rate of 300 and Massachusetts has just 380 per 100,000 adults. The data indicates that Oklahomas high rates stems, in part, from the harsh sentences being handed out, with some first-time offenders receiving prison time for simple drug possession. The average time served also climbed 83-percent from 1999-2009, one of the biggest jumps in the nation.

About Oklahoma Interstate Drug Lawyer

Federal drug charges may be prosecuted less nowadays, but those tried in Oklahoma, at either a federal or state level, face some of the toughest consequences in the nation. Oklahoma Interstate Drug Lawyer helps connect people with experienced and knowledgeable attorneys who understand how much is on the line and fight aggressively for their clients.

To speak an Oklahoma Interstate drug lawyer about possible drug crime defenses or to schedule a free comprehensive case evaluation, visit[OklahomaInterstateDrugLawyer.com](http://oklahomainterstatedruglawyer.com/?utm_source=Press%20Cable&utm_medium=Press%20Release&utm_term=Federal%20Drug%20Charges&utm_content=Federal%20Drug%20Charges%20Prosecuted%20Less%3B%20OK%20Incarcerations%20Top%20Charts%20Anyway&utm_campaign=Federal%20Drug%20Charges%20Prosecuted%20Less%3B%20OK%20Incarcerations%20Top%20Charts%20Anyway) or call (405) 679-2372 today.