Little Rock Felony Drug Distribution Attorneys

Being charged with felony drug distribution in Little Rock, AR? Our skilled Little Rock felony drug distribution lawyers have over 20 years experience defending clients charged with drug crimes.

In Little Rock, Arkansas, felony drug distribution charges can lead to severe penalties under the Arkansas Code, such as hefty fines and lengthy prison terms.

Felony convictions can impact all aspects of a person’s life, including housing, civil rights, and employment. It’s crucial to work with a drug distribution attorney in Little Rock, Arkansas from Lemley DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers who can help defend you.

Arkansas Drug Distribution Laws and Penalties

Under Arkansas Code § 5-64-426, § 5-64-430, § 5-64-434, and § 5-64-438, delivering or possessing controlled substances with the intent to deliver is strictly against the Arkansas drug law. The penalties an individual charged with this crime may face are dependent on the type and amount of drug involved.

The penalties are as follows:

Schedule I & II Controlled Substances (Excluding Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Heroin, & Cocaine)

A schedule I or II drug, narcotic, or amphetamine is associated with more severe penalties, including increased prison terms and fines.

They vary depending on the amount of drugs in possession, as such:

• Less than 2 grams: This is a Class C felony that can be punished by 25 to 40 years in prison.
• 2 to 28 grams: This crime is a Class B felony that can be punished by 30 to 60 years in prison or a life sentence.
• 28 to 200 grams: This is a Class A felony that can be punished by 40 years to life imprisonment.

Other Schedule I, II, or III Substances

Felony drug crimes involving other Schedule I, II, or III substances are also severely prosecuted and sentenced by the government in Arkansas.

The possession penalties are as follows:

• Less than 28 grams: This felony crime is a Class C felony that could be punished by a prison term of 25 to 40 years.
• 20 to 200 grams: This offense is classified as a Class B felony, which can be punished by 30 to 60 years in prison or a life sentence.
• 200 to 400 grams: This is a Class A felony that could be punished by 40 years to life imprisonment.

Schedule IV or V Substances

Felony drug distribution penalties involving Schedule IV or V substances are less serious than those involving Schedule I, II, or III drugs.

The penalties can still be life-altering and include possession of:

• Less than 200 grams: A conviction for this Class D felony crime can lead to 20 to 40 years in prison.
• 200 to 400 grams: This is a Class C felony that is punishable by 25 to 40 years in prison.
• 400 to 800 grams: This is a Class B felony punishable by 30 to 60 years in prison or a life sentence.

Schedule VI Substances (Marijuana, etc.)

Felony drug distribution crimes in Arkansas that involve Schedule VI substances, such as marijuana, are the least serious.

Penalties by possession amount include:

• Under 14 grams: This offense is generally classified as a Class A misdemeanor, but it can be charged as a Class D felony if there were multiple prior offenses. A Class A misdemeanor can come with up to one year in jail.
• 14 grams to 4 ounces: This is a Class D felony that can be punished by 20 to 40 years in prison.
• 4 ounces to 25 pounds: This Class C felony crime can be punished by 25 to 40 years of prison time.
• 25 pounds to 100 pounds: This Class B felony crime can be punished by 30 to 60 years of prison time.
• 100 to 500 pounds: This is a Class A felony punishable by 40 years to life in prison.

If you are facing charges under these laws in Little Rock, an experienced felony defense and drug trafficking attorney can go over the details of your case and help you understand your legal options to mount a criminal defense strategy.

Most state drug possession and drug distribution cases are handled in the Pulaski County Circuit Court. However, if the drug crime involves larger quantities, crosses state lines, or is part of a federal investigation, the case may be brought to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas.

Little Rock Drug Crime Statistics

According to recent data from the Little Rock Police Department, there were 50 drug/narcotic violation-related arrests reported in December 2023. It’s important to work with an experienced defense attorney who can help you push back against these charges and avoid devastating penalties.

From challenging the legal searches and seizures to proving lack of intent to negotiating plea deals, Lemley DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers is ready to do what it takes to safeguard your rights and interests.

FAQs

Q: What Is Considered Felony Drug Distribution in Arkansas?

A: Felony drug distribution in Arkansas is defined as possessing, delivering, or manufacturing controlled substances with the intent to distribute.

Charges and penalties are dependent on the drug type and quantity in question, as well as the defendant’s criminal record. A skilled attorney can help you push back against your felony drug distribution charges.

Q: Can I Get a Drug Distribution Charge Reduced?

A: Yes, you can get a drug distribution charge reduced in Little Rock, Arkansas. A detail-oriented criminal defense lawyer may leverage various tactics to help you, including negotiating plea deals to get your felony charges reduced to a misdemeanor or working to secure alternative sentencing options. They can help you understand which options may be right for you.

Q: What Should I Do If I’m Arrested for Drug Distribution?

A: If you’ve been arrested for drug distribution, it’s important to remain calm and not answer any questions from law enforcement without your attorney present.

Anything that you say can be used as evidence against you later in a court of law. Therefore, it’s critical to reach out to your criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, so they can advise you accordingly.

Q: How Can a Lawyer Help With My Drug Distribution Case?

A: A lawyer can help you with your drug distribution case by analyzing the prosecution’s argument and evidence, shedding light on any legal errors, negotiating plea deals, and fighting aggressively to get your case dismissed or your charges reduced.

Common defense strategies include challenging illegal searches, proving mistaken identity, showing a lack of intent to distribute, and exposing errors in the forensic testing of substances.

Contact Our Little Rock Drug Crime Defense Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with felony drug distribution charges in Little Rock, Arkansas, a skilled attorney from Lemley DWI & Criminal Defense Lawyers is ready to work with you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.