Drug possession is a potentially serious crime and can result in heavy fines and spending time in jail. Recent statistics show that approximately 20% – 30%of all criminal arrests involve drug-related offenses including drug possession and drug trafficking. Due to this reason, new laws are constantly being introduced to counter drug-related crimes.
If you or someone you know has been accused of drug possession or any other drug-related crime, you will need a criminal attorney, who can help get your charges reduced or completely dismissed. Without proper legal protection, you might be at a risk of not receiving a fair and adequate representation. Some of the common drug related crimes which you could be charged with include:
- Possession of illegal drugs
- Possession of illegal drugs with the intent to sell
- Sale of illegal drugs and narcotics
- Drug trafficking and smuggling
- Use of illegal drugs or narcotics
Use of these illegal drugs or narcotics can be extremely dangerous, especially if you are found operating a vehicle or machinery, and will lead to a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge. According to Indiana laws, illegal drugs include marijuana, hallucinogens, cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin and other controlled substances. Possession of any of these narcotic drugs can lead you into trouble.
Penalties for Drug Crimes
Simply possessing an illegal narcotic or drug can get you into trouble, and more so if you are caught with the intent of selling that controlled substance. In case of drug possession, minimum penalties apply in some US territories, but in most drug possession cases, the circumstance is not taken into account. In more serious cases, the person may be punished by law in the form of monetary fines, prison sentence, probation and enrolment in mandatory recovery programs. These charges and consequences also vary depending on the type of drug possessed by the person, the amount of drug as well as the person’s past drug convictions.
Indiana Drug Laws
A first time possession of marijuana charge is considered a Class A misdemeanor, and can have up to $5,000 fine along with 0-1 year in jail, followed by probation and penalties such as driver’s license suspension. Possession of marijuana with a prior conviction is considered Class D Felony and has 6 months to three years imprisonment with a probation term of up to three years. The defendant also has to pay up to $10,000 fine and will also have to face driver’s license suspension for a minimum period of six months up to two years. In case of physical injury or death, the penalties are even higher.
Author Bio
Richard Jacobs is a chief editor since early 2007, and he currently works for MyDUIattorney. A website that helps you to find the right DUI lawyer, you can search for a Texas DUI Lawyer or for Philadelphia DUI Lawyer online, anytime!
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These articles are for the benefit of our readers including those from other states besides Indiana, and might not pertain to, or reflect the laws of Indiana or the practice areas of The Garrison Law Firm.