Unanimity Required: Statutory Maximum Penalty Increased (Controlled Substances: 21 U.S.C. 841) refers to the requirement that all jurors in a criminal case must unanimously agree to increase the statutory maximum penalty for a violation of 21 U.S.C. 841, which is related to the illegal distribution, manufacture, or possession of certain controlled substances. This requirement applies to all types of criminal cases involving controlled substances, including drug possession, drug trafficking, and other drug-related offenses. Unanimity is required in order for the court to impose the statutory maximum penalty, which is usually the harshest penalty available under the law. In some cases, this penalty can include a lengthy prison sentence and substantial fines.