Drug Crimes

Drug Crime Attorneys in Indianapolis

Protecting Clients’ Rights and Getting Favorable Outcomes

Drug offenses carry a certain stigma that can be hard to overcome. Criminal drug charges often come as a shock, and innocent people may find themselves penalized for no reason other than a prosecutor wanting to appear tough on drug crimes. If you are convicted, you could face jail time, fines, and other legal repercussions that could stay with you for years to come.

If you or a loved one has been charged with or is being investigated for drug-related offenses, you need immediate help from a trusted drug attorney. Your Indianapolis drug lawyer can help explain the charges and identify a defense that could get your charges reduced or thrown out. A criminal defense lawyer can also ensure that law enforcement officers respect your rights at every step during the legal process.

When you need a drug crime defense, you can look to Wade Trial Lawyers. Our team of defense attorneys has a deep understanding of Indiana law. We are meticulous in our investigation to uncover every piece of evidence possible to back up your defense. We use our knowledge and attention to detail to get our clients favorable results time and time again. Call us now at 765-563-4644 to schedule your free consultation.

What Are Examples of Drug Crimes in Indiana?

Indiana’s drug laws are based on two types of crimes: drug possession and drug trafficking. Within these general categories are numerous other crimes for which individuals may be punished. Since Indiana’s laws are some of the harshest in the country, it is crucial to call a drug crime defense attorney as quickly as possible when you are suspected of a drug-related offense.

Drug Possession

Possession refers to having drugs on your person or having them within easy reach, also known as actual possession. These crimes also include possessing illegal drugs in your vehicle or in your house, which is called constructive possession. To be proven guilty, the prosecutor must demonstrate beyond a doubt that you knew about the drugs.

Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking of a controlled substance or illegal drug is more serious than simple possession. Trafficking refers to selling or intention to sell drugs or controlled substances. Drug dealing may lead to devastating penalties, including years in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. If you have drug paraphernalia or large amounts of a controlled substance, the prosecutor may make a case that you intended to sell the illegal substance. Please contact a drug crime lawyer immediately for help fighting the potential felony drug charges.

Aggravating Factors

Some factors can raise your charges from what they would typically be in another case. For example, possessing large amounts of a controlled substance, having a prior conviction, or being caught with drugs in a drug-free zone like a school could all lead to enhanced charges. Your attorney can help develop defense strategies to combat aggravating factors and protect your Constitutional rights.

How Are Drugs Categorized in Indiana?

As in many states, Indiana law categorizes drugs according to their medical benefit and potential for addiction. If you are convicted of abusing a substance in one of the most restricted categories, you may face stiff penalties, including felony drug charges. Your drug crime case will depend on what schedule the drug is, how much of the drug you possessed, and other factors.

The drug classifications in Indiana are as follows:

  • Schedule I substances are the most highly addictive and have the least medical benefit of any drug schedule. These include MDMA (ecstasy), LSD, and cannabis.
  • Schedule II controlled substances also have a high potential for abuse but may have some medical benefits. Schedule II drugs include hydrocodone, cocaine, Fentanyl, Adderall, and methamphetamine.
  • Schedule III substances include Tylenol with codeine, ketamine, testosterone, and other narcotic pain medicines with medical benefits.
  • Schedule IV substances, such as Xanax, Valium (Diazepam), Ambien, and Tramadol, have less likelihood of abuse and are commonly used for medical benefits.
  • Schedule V drugs are the least likely to become addictive and have accepted medical uses. These include Lomotil, Robitussin AC, and Parepectolin.

What Penalties Will I Face if I’m Convicted for a Drug Crime?

Understanding what is at stake when facing Indiana drug charges is important. Drug crime cases can result in severe consequences that impact a person for years after the sentencing. After the jail time is over and the fines are paid, the individual will still have a permanent criminal record that can make it impossible to get professional licensing or live where they’d like.

If you are charged with possession of a Schedule V drug, you may likely face misdemeanor charges. However, if your charges include possession or trafficking of one of the other drug schedules, your drug charge could carry more severe penalties.

The following are some examples of penalties that could follow a conviction for various drug crimes in Indiana:

  • Direct physical control of an illegal drug, Schedule I-IV – Felony charges with two or more years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
  • Manufacture drugs – Felony charges with the level depending on the schedule and amount of drug. May result in two or more years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
  • Drug distribution – Depending on the controlled substances, felony charges of up to two and a half years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
  • Conspiracy to distribute – Conspiring to distribute illegal controlled substances is a federal crime that is defined as more than one person working together to distribute illegal drugs. These crimes may lead to many years in prison and up to $10 million in fines.

Please keep in mind that your charges could be enhanced with the presence of various aggravating factors. For example, if you possessed a firearm while in possession of drugs or were in a drug-free zone like a school or park, you could be sentenced to more years in prison. For help fighting your drug-related offense, please contact a drug crime lawyer like those at Wade Trial Lawyers immediately.

Are There Defenses That Can Help Me Avoid a Drug Crime Conviction?

Being charged with drug dealing or illegal possession of controlled substances can be scary. However, you still have hope for defeating your charges and walking away with your freedom. You may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed with the help of Indianapolis drug crimes attorneys like those at our law firm. Your drug crime lawyer can help introduce reasonable doubt into the prosecution’s story to help you avoid a conviction.

Some examples of potential defenses that can help people fighting drug crime charges include:

  • Illegal search and seizure
  • Lack of evidence
  • Mistaken identity
  • Acting under threat of harm
  • Lack of knowledge that the drugs were there

With the stiff penalties possible for constructive possession, drug trafficking, and other drug crimes, it is essential to hire a skilled drug crime lawyer to help you defeat your drug-related offense. Your Indianapolis drug attorney will help you create a criminal defense that gives you the best chance of a positive outcome.

How Can Indianapolis Drug Crimes Attorneys Help Me?

If you or a loved one is charged with an Indianapolis drug crime, you need immediate help to fight these serious charges. A conviction can mean loss of freedom not only while you’re in jail or prison but for years to come. Your permanent criminal record can prevent you from getting professional licensing, keeping custody of your children in a divorce, and living where you want. You may also face deportation or loss of immigration status.

When you hire a drug crime lawyer, you get professional help to defeat your charges. Your criminal defense lawyer can ensure police officers do not violate your rights during the investigation. If your rights were violated, a criminal defense lawyer can help get your charges reduced or dismissed. Your attorney can also help you navigate the complex legal system and walk away with the best results possible.

Should You Hire Our Indianapolis Drug Crime Lawyers?

At Wade Trial Lawyers, we believe in fighting for individuals who are otherwise marginalized or ignored. We promise to listen carefully and compassionately to your story so we can match our legal services to your unique needs.

We will investigate thoroughly to uncover every detail that illustrates your innocence. If you made a mistake and violated the law, we will fight for your rights and get you the minimal sentencing possible. You can rely on our legal team for compassion and attention to detail as you fight drug crime charges.

Call 765-563-4644 immediately for assistance at this critical time. We offer a free consultation, so you have nothing to lose by calling today!