Heroin, also known as diamorphine, is derived of dried latex of certain poppy species …show more content…
("Usage in the US," n.d.) The trend is driven primarily by people of ages 18-25. ("Usage in the US," n.d.) Heroin usage has been declining in teens ages 12-17. ("Usage in the US," n.d.) Ramifications or legal issues associated with heroin use and distribution are harsh. For distribution of 100-999 grams of heroin, a first time offender can face no less than 10 years ' incarceration, a fine up to $4 million for an individual, or if a death or serious injury occurred as part of the distribution, the penalty is no less than 20 years to life. ("Heroin Distribution," n.d.) For a second time offender, sentences can consist of: no less than 20 years’ incarceration, a fine of no more than $8 million for an individual, or if death or a serious injury is correlated with the distribution, life imprisonment. ("Heroin Distribution," n.d.) For anything over a second offence, the sentence is life imprisonment. ("Heroin Distribution,"