Drug Possession Charges
The possession of any illegal substance is a serious crime in Indiana. Being caught with drugs like cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamines can carry heavy penalties, including fines and jail sentences.
When you face Indiana drug possession charges, you need the right legal representation. At Shircliff Law LLC, I will defend your rights and craft a compelling defense for your case. You can trust me to assist you with the legal process and fight for a positive outcome in your case. Contact me at 317-279-4894 to schedule your consultation.
Why You Need a Defense Lawyer From Shircliff Law LLC
Navigating any type of criminal charge can be scary. In these situations, you need an attorney who can help guide you through the justice process, protect your rights, and secure the outcome that you deserve—and Shircliff Law LLC can help.
I have handled over 200 cases in his career. I will leverage my over 20 years of experience to help you navigate your drug possession charges, represent your side of the story and fight for your right to a fair outcome.
Indiana Laws On Drug Possession
Drug possession involves the unlawful ownership of controlled substances. Unlike crimes like drug dealing, this crime simply involves having drugs on your person, rather than possessing substances with the intent to sell or distribute them.
Like the federal statute, Indiana law divides illicit substances into five Schedules based on their potential for abuse and other factors. Generally, Schedule I substances are the most addictive and Schedule V substances have the lowest potential for abuse. Penalties for this crime will depend on the type of drug that you are accused of having in your possession, with Schedule I drugs yielding the harshest punishments.
What Are The Penalties For Drug Possession In Indiana?
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, drug possession crimes usually range from a Class B misdemeanor up to a Level 3 felony. For example, a Class B misdemeanor can result in a maximum of 180 days in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. A Level 3 felony can result in between three to 16 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
David Shircliff can help you understand the penalties that you may face and work diligently to reduce your charges or request the court for an acquittal. In Indiana, drug possession penalties depend on the type of drug involved in the case and the presence of any enhancing circumstances, like prior convictions or being within 500 feet of school property.
Crimes Involving Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and Schedule I or II Narcotics
If your case involves methamphetamine, cocaine, or Schedule I or II narcotics like heroin, you could face up to a Level 3 felony charge. Penalties will depend on the amount of the drug that you have in your possession:
- Level 6 Felonies: Up to five grams
- Level 5 Felonies: Between five to 10 grams, or up to five grams with enhancing circumstances
- Level 4 Felonies: Between 10 to 28 grams, or between five to 10 grams with enhancing circumstances
- Level 3 Felonies: At least 28 grams, or between 10 to 28 grams with enhancing circumstances
Crimes Involving Marijuana, Hashish, Hash Oil or Salvia
If your case involves the possession of marijuana, hashish, hash oil, or salvia, you could face either misdemeanor or felony penalties:
- Class B Misdemeanors: Less than 30 grams of marijuana, or less than five grams of hash oil, hashish, or salvia
- Class A Misdemeanors: Less than 30 grams of marijuana, or less than five grams of hash oil, hashish, or salvia with a prior drug conviction
- Level 6 Felonies: Five grams or more of hash oil, hashish or salvia and 30 grams of marijuana or more
Crimes Involving Other Controlled Substances
Crimes involving other Schedule I to V substances, such as prescription medications, are subject to a different set of penalties. The intentional possession of a controlled substance is a Class A misdemeanor. The crime increases to a Level 6 felony is an enhancing circumstance applies to the case.
Crimes Involving Drug Paraphernalia
Drug paraphernalia refers to any device or object that is used to take, test, or enhance a controlled substance. The possession of drug paraphernalia is a Class C misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class A misdemeanor for each offense after.
How A Drug Possession Defense Attorney Can Help Your Case
If you are arrested on suspicion of drug possession, you need a lawyer on your side who can fight for your rights and protect your interests during each stage of your case. These charges can have a major impact on your life, harming your freedom, finances, relationships, and more. In these cases, you want to minimize this damage as much as possible.
By hiring an Indianapolis drug possession defense lawyer from Shircliff Law LLC to represent your case, you can gain several important advantages that can aid your case:
- Your attorney will have strong knowledge of Indiana criminal law and can help you understand the charges that are being filed against you.
- Your lawyer will have years of experience representing clients in Indiana criminal court and will be able to prepare you for each stage of litigation.
- Your attorney can build a compelling defense in your favor and present your side of the story in front of the courtroom if your case goes to trial.
- Your lawyer will have the ability to negotiate with the prosecutor for a plea deal or reduced charges if it is in your best interest.
- Your attorney can ensure that your constitutional rights are protected during criminal justice proceedings and will fight on your behalf if any violations occur.
- Facing criminal charges can be a scary experience. Your lawyer will provide you with much-needed support during the process and will be available to answer any questions that you may have.
Arrested On Drug Possession Charges? Contact Shircliff Law LLC.
Are you facing drug possession charges in Indianapolis? Don’t face the criminal justice system alone—trust Shircliff Law LLC to fight the charges and advocate for a favorable outcome.
I can provide you with the legal representation that you need and deserve. Contact me online today to schedule your consultation and learn more about your legal options.