Getting charged with possession or dealing of a controlled drug carries with it serious possible consequences. Even though policy and political leaders have started to recognize the devastating effects that drug addiction can have on a person, you could still face charges that can upend your life. Sometimes, if you have a child, drug charges can be just a part of larger legal consequences such as when the Department of Child Services (DCS) or Child Protective Services (CPS) gets involved. Those kinds of combination cases require strategic planning. With such a focus on opiods and drugs, it is vital that you have a lawyer on your side with experience defending against a wide array of drugs charges. If you have been arrested and charged with a drug offense, contact Indianapolis criminal defense attorney Randall Parr.
Here are just a few of the different types of charges you might face:
Dealing in cocaine or narcotic drug
IC 35-48-4-1 defines this charge as someone who knowingly or intentionally manufactures, finances the manufacture of, delivers, or finances the delivery of cocaine (or other drug that’s explained in schedule I or II) or possesses with the intent to manufacture, finance the manufacture of, deliver, or finances the delivery of the drug. The base charge is a Level 5 felony, with possible modifications depending on the circumstances.
Dealing in methamphetamine
IC 35-48-4-1.1 defines this charge as a person who knowingly or intentionally manufactures, finances the manufacture of, delivers, or finances the delivery of methamphetamine, or possesses, with intent to deliver, or finance the delivery of methamphetamine. As with cocaine, the base charge is a Level 5 felony, with possible modifications depending on the circumstances.
Possession of cocaine or narcotic drug
IC 35-48-4-6 outlines this charge, which differs from dealing in significant ways. A person who does not have a valid prescription or order of a practitioner acting in the course of the practitioner’s professional practice and knowingly or intentionally possesses cocaine (pure or adulterated) or a narcotic drug (pure or adulterated) classified in schedule I or II, commits possession of cocaine or a narcotic drug, a Level 6 felony, except as provided below. It is a Level 5 felony if the amount of the drug is between 5 and 10 grams or less than 5 grams if an enhancement applies. It is a level 4 felony if the amount is between 10 and 28 grams, or between 5 and 10 grams with an enhancement. It is a Level 3 felony if there is at least 28 grams, or between 10 and 28 grams if an enhancement applies.
Possession of methamphetamine
IC 35-48-4-6.1 defines this charge, which is likewise different from the dealing charge. A person who, without a valid prescription or order of a practitioner acting in the course of the practitioner’s professional practice, knowingly or intentionally possesses methamphetamine (pure or adulterated) commits possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony, except as provided below. It is a Level 5 felony if the amount of the drug is between 5 and 10 grams or less than 5 grams if an enhancement applies. It is a level 4 felony if the amount is between 10 and 28 grams, or between 5 and 10 grams with an enhancement. It is a Level 3 felony if there is at least 28 grams, or between 10 and 28 grams if an enhancement applies.
*See complete Indiana Code for full description of all crimes and statutes. This is a partial listing only.