As someone facing a drug dealing arrest or charge in Indianapolis, protect yourself with a skilled criminal defense attorney. The attorney you choose to represent you is a major factor in the outcome of your drug-related case. You could fumble through the criminal justice system and end up serving maximum penalties for drug dealing or get off with reduced charges or even complete case dismissal with help from an experienced lawyer. Go into court confidently with a lawyer from Banks & Brower representing you. We are top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Indianapolis.
Drug Dealing Penalties in Indiana
It is easy to confuse drug dealing with drug trafficking charges, especially in the state of Indiana. Since Indiana statutes don’t specifically include drug trafficking laws, it is often up to the prosecution as to which charge to bring against the offender. In general, a drug dealing charge could arise out of small-scale drug distribution, selling, or manufacturing, while a more serious drug trafficking charge might come from larger-scale drug activities. Both criminal charges are serious and can come with consequences such as prison time and hefty fines. Indiana’s drug dealing charges are as follows:
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Dealing cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, or narcotics.
- Less than 1 gram: Level 5 felony. 1 to 5 grams: Level 4 felony. 5 to 10 grams, Level 3. 10 or more grams, Level 2 felony.
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Dealing another Schedule I, II, or III drugs, apart from marijuana.
- Less than 1 gram: Level 6 felony. 1 to 5 grams, Level 5. 6 to 10 grams, Level 4. 10 to 28 grams, Level 3. More than 28 grams, Level 2.
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Dealing marijuana, hashish, hash oil, or other cannabis derivatives.
- Less than 30 grams marijuana or less than 5 grams hash, Class A misdemeanor.
- Less than 30 grams marijuana or less than 5 grams hash with a prior conviction. Level 6 felony.
- 30 grams to 10 pounds of marijuana or 5 to 300 grams of hash and prior drug conviction, Level 5 felony.
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Dealing Schedule IV drugs.
- Less than 1 gram, Class A misdemeanor.
- 1 to 5 grams, Level 6.
- 5 to 10 grams, Level 5.
- 10 to 28 grams, Level 4.
- At least 28 grams, Level 3.
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Dealing Schedule V drugs.
- Less than 1 gram, Class B misdemeanor.
- 1 to 5 grams, Class A misdemeanor.
- 5 to 10 grams, Level 6 felony.
- 10 to 28 grams, Level 5.
- At least 28 grams, Level 4.
The penalties for drug dealing depend upon the type of charge. A Class B misdemeanor could result in up to 180 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. A Class A misdemeanor is punishable with up to 1 year in jail and up to $5,000 in fines. Level 6 through Level 2 drug dealing felonies can result in 6 months to 30 years in prison, with maximum fines of $10,000. As you can see, any drug dealing charge in Indiana could result in life-changing penalties. Always protect yourself by retaining a lawyer to defend you during a criminal trial.
How Banks & Brower Can Help
If you’re facing drug dealing charges, don’t wait until the day before your court date to talk to an attorney. Contact Banks & Brower as soon as possible – preferably while still in the police precinct after your arrest. Talking to us first, before you answer any police questions, can help you learn what to say and what not to say to help your case. There are steps you can take in the first hours and days after arrest that could ultimately help your criminal case. The sooner you speak with one of our skilled attorneys, the better for your future.
Soon, it will be more important than ever to hire a lawyer to combat drug dealing charges in Indiana. Lawmakers in Indiana want to make it a new crime to deal drugs to a purchaser who dies of overdose. In these cases, penalties would be more severe, with up to 40 years in prison applicable. Although these cases would be difficult to prove, it could lead to more serious penalties for drug dealers. Work with one of our Indianapolis Drug Crime Lawyers at Banks & Brower to protect your rights today, tomorrow, and in the future as Indiana’s drug laws change. Call (317) 870-0019 for a free consultation.