As used in this chapter, unless the context requires otherwise:

(1) "Illegal controlled substance" means a controlled substance as defined and covered by Chapter 53 of Title 44, Poisons, Drugs, and Other Controlled Substances, Section 44-53-10, et seq.

(2) "Individual user" means the individual whose use of an illegal controlled substance that is not obtained directly from or pursuant to a valid prescription or order of a licensed physician or practitioner is the basis of an action brought under this chapter.

(3) "Level one offense" means the illegal possession with intent to distribute less than four ounces or the illegal distribution of less than one ounce of an illegal controlled substance.

(4) "Level two offense" means the illegal possession with intent to distribute four ounces or more but less than eight ounces, or the illegal distribution of one ounce or more, but less than two ounces, of an illegal controlled substance.

(5) "Level three offense" means the illegal possession with intent to distribute eight ounces or more but less than sixteen ounces, or the illegal distribution of two ounces or more, but less than four ounces, of an illegal controlled substance.

(6) "Level four offense" means the illegal possession with intent to distribute sixteen ounces or more, or the illegal distribution of four ounces or more, of an illegal controlled substance.

(7) "Marketing of an illegal controlled substance" means the possession with intent to distribute or distribution of a specified illegal controlled substance which is a violation of Chapter 53 of Title 44, Poisons, Drugs, and Other Controlled Substances, Section 44-53-10, et seq.

(8) "Participate in the marketing of an illegal controlled substance" means to transport, import into this State, possess with intent to distribute, distribute an illegal controlled substance or offer to transport, import into this State, possess with the intent to distribute, or distribute an illegal controlled substance. "Participate in the marketing of an illegal controlled substance" does not include the purchase or receipt of an illegal controlled substance for personal use only.

(9) "Period of illegal use" means, in relation to the individual user of an illegal controlled substance, the time from the individual's first illegal use of an illegal controlled substance to the accrual of the cause of action.

(10) "Person" means a natural person, governmental entity, or corporation, partnership, firm, trust, or incorporated or unincorporated association, existing under or authorized by the laws of this State, another state, or a foreign country.

(11) "Place of illegal activity" means, in relation to the individual user of an illegal controlled substance, each county in which the individual illegally possesses or uses an illegal controlled substance during the period of the individual's use of an illegal controlled substance.

(12) "Place of participation" means, in relation to a defendant in an action brought under this chapter, each county in which the person participates in the marketing of illegal controlled substances during the period of the person's participation in the marketing of illegal controlled substances.

(13) "Conviction" means a conviction, guilty plea, or plea of nolo contendere and includes being convicted of a violation of a law of any other state or a city or county ordinance.

(14) "Prior convictions" means felonies and misdemeanors, prior convictions not classified at the time of conviction, federal or out-of-state convictions, circuit, magistrate, and municipal court convictions, and juvenile adjudications if the offenses would be felonies if committed by an adult.

HISTORY: 1999 Act No. 62, Section 1.