Dealing Cocaine – Indianapolis Criminal Defense
If you have been accused of dealing in cocaine, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side. You probably have questions about the charges, possible defenses and the criminal process and Chambers Law Office is here to help.
Dealing in Cocaine or a Narcotic
The Indiana code that lays out the law for dealing in cocaine or a narcotic is IC 35-48-4-1. In order to be found guilty of dealing in cocaine or a narcotic, the State must prove that the accused knowingly or intentionally: (A) manufactures; (B) finances the manufacture of; (C) delivers; or (D) finances the delivery of; cocaine or a narcotic drug, pure or adulterated, classified in schedule I or II; or (2) possesses, with intent to: (A) manufacture; (B) finance the manufacture of; (C) deliver; or (D) finance the delivery of; cocaine or a narcotic drug, pure or adulterated, classified in schedule I or II. This offense is a Level 5 Felony. The offense may be increased to a Level 4 Felony, Level 3 Felony or Level 2 Felony, depending on the weight of the drugs or if another enhancing circumstance is alleged.
However, if a person is charged with dealing in cocaine or a narcotic for the possession of the drugs, a conviction can stand only if: (1) there is evidence in addition to the weight of the drug that the person intended to manufacture, finance the manufacture of, deliver, or finance the delivery of the drug; or (2) the amount of the drug involved is at least twenty-eight (28) grams.
Possible Consequences for Dealing in Cocaine or a Narcotic
For a Level 5 Felony dealing conviction, the possible penalty is anywhere from one (1) to six (6) years with an advisory sentence of three (3) years and up to a $10,000 fine.
For a Level 4 Felony dealing conviction, the sentence ranges from two (2) years to twelve (12) years with an advisory sentence of six (6) years and up to a $10,000 fine.
A person convicted of a Level 3 dealing conviction faces a possible sentence of three (3) years to sixteen (16) years with an advisory sentence of nine (9) years and up to a $10,000 fine.
A dealing conviction as a Level 2 felony carries a possible sentence of ten (10) to thirty (30) years with an advisory sentence of 17 1/2 years and up to a $10,000 fine.
Along with possible incarceration and fines, if you are convicted of a felony for dealing in cocaine, you may be facing the loss of job opportunities or housing assistance, the inability to obtain financial aid for school or even deportation if you are not a U.S. citizen.
Facing Dealing Charges in Indiana? Call Chambers Law Office!
Attorneys Julie Chambers and Katie Kawiecki focus the majority of their practices on criminal defense, including dealing cases and drug possession charges. They will take the time to meet with you to make sure you fully understand the charges against you and all of your possible options. If you or a family member have been accused of dealing in cocaine or possession of a controlled substance in Indianapolis, or any of the surrounding counties, including Johnson, Hancock, Hamilton, Madison, Boone or Hendricks counties, contact Chambers Law Office to speak with a lawyer about your case.