Drug charges are also known as controlled substance crimes. There are five levels of controlled substance offenses, ranging from: fifth degree controlled substance crime, which is the least serious, up to a first degree controlled substance crime, the most serious. Generally, controlled substance crimes are felony offenses.

Convictions for first and second degree controlled substance crimes carry presumptive or assumed prison terms, even if the defendant has no prior criminal history. Any person accused of a controlled substance crime should seek to hire an experienced attorney to review his or her case and to discuss issues that may be present in the facts of the case and which could help the person defend themselves against the charges.