The United States legal system takes drug crimes very seriously. If you are facing drug charges, it is extremely important for you to understand the circumstances surrounding your case. This will allow you to make an informed decision about what to do.
Drug possession is a common drug crime. Depending on your circumstances, this offense can be punished very harshly or very leniently. Much of this will depend upon the type of drug you had in your possession, the amount of the drug, and your personal criminal history. In some cases, offenders receive only probation and fines. In others, offenders can be charged with a felony.
If you are facing drug possession charges of any kind, it is important for you to seek the help of a criminal defense lawyer. If you are convicted of any drug possession crime in Arkansas, you will lose your driver’s license for 6 months. If you are convicted of any drug possession crime other than marijuana, you will lose your gun rights. A criminal lawyer can advise you on your unique situation and help you develop the best plan for your claim. Our team at Lemley Law Partners is here for you.
Our team at Lemley Law Partners has over 50 years of combined experience in criminal defense. We have represented numerous clients facing drug charges and have a history of success that speaks for itself. In all of our drug cases, we work tirelessly for our clients and fight tenaciously in the courtroom. You can expect personalized, expert care when you work with Lemley Law Partners.
Facing drug charges can be intimidating, but our team understands your situation. Whether you were in the wrong place at the wrong time or have been wrongly accused, our team is here to listen to your story without judgment. By using your specific, individual details, we can build a compelling case for your innocence. If necessary, we can help you achieve a favorable plea deal. We can work toward the solution that is best for your situation.
No Little Rock criminal defense lawyers can fight as hard for you as our team. Lemley Law Partners is the best choice for your drug possession defense team.
Drug crimes are a category of offenses that deal with controlled substances. Drug possession offenses occur when an individual is caught with illegal drugs on their person or in their belongings.
Drug possession offenses can range from having a gram of marijuana to having a pound of cocaine. Of course, these two offenses will be punished very differently from one another. Punishments depend on the type of drug and the amount possessed.
Drugs are separated into different categories, or “schedules,” based on their potential for abuse and their reputation in the medical community. Schedule 1 encompasses the drugs with the highest potential for abuse and without any medicinal value, such as heroin and ecstasy. Schedule 5 includes the drugs that have the most medicinal value and the least likelihood of abuse, such as Robitussin AC, Lomotil, or Motofen.
Offenders caught with a Schedule 1 or 2 drug that is not cocaine or methamphetamine will face a Class D felony if they have less than two grams of the drug. If they have between two and 28 grams, they face a Class C felony. A Class B felony is defined as anything between 28 and 100 grams.
If an offender possesses less than two grams of cocaine or methamphetamine, they face Class D felony charges. If the offender has between 2 and 10 grams, they face a Class C felony. If the person had between ten grams and 200 grams, they face a Class B felony charge.
If you are caught with a Schedule 3 drug, you will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor if you have less than two grams. The exception to this is if you have four or more prior convictions on your record. If you do, this will be raised to a Class D felony.
For possession of between 2 and 200 grams, offenders face a Class D felony as well. Possession of between 200 and 400 grams of a Schedule 3 drug results in a Class C felony. Finally, possession of between 400 and 800 grams will result in a Class B felony.
When an offender is caught with a Schedule 4 or Schedule 5 drug, they face a Class A misdemeanor if they possess 28 grams or less. Between 28 and 200 grams results in a Class D felony charge, while possession of 200 to 400 grams is a Class C felony. A Class B felony is defined as 400 to 800 grams.
If someone is found with more than the upper limit of the amounts shown above, they will likely be charged with drug trafficking rather than drug possession. Drug possession is only applicable if you are found with an amount that you could reasonably plan to use yourself. If you have more than that, the law considers it drug trafficking or distribution.
No matter what your charges might be or the severity of the sentence, it is important to do everything that you can to avoid having drug possession on your record. This type of offense can keep you from getting jobs, securing housing, having custody of your children, and more.
Do not risk your family, freedom, and future by representing yourself. Prosecutors in your case can turn even the most innocent situation into evidence against you. Without an attorney, you do not have a way to discredit what they say. Attorney representation helps you preserve your lifestyle and reputation.
Drug charges are serious, but our team has many years of experience in this field. We are confident that we can help you with your drug possession claim and achieve the best possible results in your scenario.
For more information, or to schedule a consultation with us, please contact Lemley Law Partners online.