Consequences of a Cocaine Conviction
If you have been arrested for cocaine possession, tracking or any other drug crime related to this substance, you may be in danger of facing serious criminal penalties if you are convicted. Cocaine is classified as a Schedule I substance and is therefore punishable by harsh sentences and mandatory minimum penalties under state or federal law.
Even small amounts of cocaine can lead to possession charges. A simple possession charge can carry up to 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Possession with the intent to deliver is a class II felony that can carry up to 50 years in prison and depending on the quantity involved, those penalties can rise to 3-50, 5-50 or 20-life.
Cocaine Penalties
The criminal penalties for being caught with even small quantities of crack or cocaine in Nebraska are very harsh, and very often personal use can be misconstrued as a possession for the sale of cocaine depending on the manner in which the case was investigated. “Intent to distribute” can come into play with more than half an ounce of crack or cocaine, especially more than one ounces, which can land a suspect in jail for up to 50 years.
Cocaine Defense Attorney
Between jail time, state prison, and a forgiving treatment program, how the case is handled determines the potential options you may have. As demonstrated, a cocaine investigation is inherently a complex one by nature, as certain law enforcement agencies put forth very aggressive maneuvers and harsh penalties to make sure there is no “upsurge” of drugs in their local communities. Having knowledge of these trends can help the drug lawyer on the case assess the strengths and weaknesses of the facts at hand. Knowing how to exploit them is what makes all the difference, and Stockmann Law can help you do it.
