Indiana law makes it a felony to be in possession of cocaine. You may face additional charges if you are found to be in possession of this substance with intent to sell or distribute it. You may also face additional penalties for selling or distributing cocaine near a school or other designated areas.
Penalties for possessing cocaine
The penalties for possession of cocaine depend on the amount that you were found with and where you were found with it. For example, possession of less than 3 grams of the substance could result in a prison term of up to three years and a fine of up to $10,000. The sentence would increase if you were found to be in possession of at least 3 grams or if you had the substance within 1,000 yards of a school.
Selling cocaine is a more serious offense
Indiana law classifies the sale of cocaine to be at least a Class B felony, which is the second-highest of the four types of felony charges you could face. If there is reason to believe that you intended to sell cocaine to a minor or on school property, you would likely be charged with a Class A felony. It may be possible to cast doubt on whether you intended to sell cocaine or commit any other crimes as part of your criminal defense strategy.
Other factors to consider
If you have been charged or convicted with drug crimes in the past, you may face harsher penalties in your current case. There is also a chance that you will be charged at both the state and federal level. In such a scenario, you might face jail time or other penalties even if you are acquitted in your state case.
