What is the penalty for possession of substance penalty group 1-A if there are fewer than 20 units?

The penalty for possession of a substance that falls under penalty group 1-A, when there are fewer than 20 units, is classified as a state jail felony (SJF). This classification reflects the legal framework surrounding controlled substances, particularly how the law distinguishes between different quantities and types of drugs.

In detail, state jail felonies typically correspond with the possession of smaller amounts of certain controlled substances. For substances classified under the 1-A category, which include drugs like lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), the law recognizes that lower quantities signify a lesser degree of criminal culpability compared to larger amounts that could lead to more serious penalties, such as first-degree felonies.

Being a state jail felony indicates that while the offense is serious, it is categorized below first and second-degree felonies, allowing for specific sentencing guidelines that often include incarceration in a state jail facility instead of a prison. This penalty structure is designed to appropriately address the severity of the offense in relation to the quantity of drugs involved, thus providing a nuanced approach to sentencing in drug-related cases.