Drug trafficking is one of the most severely punished crimes in Hungary. Many people don’t realize how narrow the line is between being classified as a drug user and a drug dealer — from a legal perspective, even passing a substance to a friend can have serious consequences.
It is important to understand that receiving money is not necessary — even a free handover can qualify as trafficking if it is not solely for the purpose of shared consumption.
The law distinguishes between users (e.g. someone possessing drugs for personal use) and dealers, but the line is not always clear. Authorities consider the following circumstances:
For instance, if someone has enough drugs for several doses and is also found with items suggesting distribution, they may easily fall under the trafficking category — even if the drugs were originally intended for personal use.
The basic form of drug trafficking is punishable by 2 to 8 years of imprisonment. However, depending on the quantity, method of commission, or aggravating factors (e.g. involving minors), the sentence may be as high as 20 years or even life imprisonment.
Yes, in certain cases the offender may be exempt from punishment or receive a lighter sentence:
In criminal proceedings related to drugs, much depends on how the circumstances are interpreted — an experienced defense lawyer can help ensure that the offender is not unjustifiably placed in a more serious legal category. For example, it is often crucial for the authorities to correctly distinguish between “personal possession” and “trafficking.
Drug trafficking carries severe consequences, and even possessing a small amount may be enough to escalate the case. If someone becomes involved in such a matter, it is essential to consult a lawyer as soon as possible, as legal representation plays a significant role in the success of the defense.
If you have any questions or would like to enlist the help of an experienced defense attorney, contact our law firm for expert legal assistance!
