Repercussions of a Cocaine Conviction
If you have been rounded up 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 declared guilty. Cocaine is labeled 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 because cocaine is listed as a Schedule I narcotic. This means every state and the federal government criminalizes cocaine possession, sale, and trafficking, although state cocaine laws might vary in terms of penalties. The sale of cocaine in Oklahoma could mean up to 30 years in prison and a $300,000 fine, and even simple possession could mean 20 years in prison, depending on the amount and if you have prior convictions. To help you better understand cocaine laws in Oklahoma some of its penalties are:
1. Possession of cocaine: Felony, 2-10 yrs.; Subsequent offense: felony, 4-20 yrs.; Within 1000 ft. of school or in presence of child (under 12) up to double penalties; Subsequent offense: up to triple penalties.
2. Sale of cocaine: Felony, 5 yrs.-life, up to $100,000; Subsequent offense: double penalties with at least 10 yrs; Within 1000 ft. of school or in presence of child under 12: up to double penalties; Subsequent offense: up to triple penalties.
3. Trafficking of cocaine: 28-300 g.: $25,000-100,000 and prison term; 300 g. or more: $100,000-500,000 and prison term.
Cocaine Charge
The criminal penalties for being caught with even small quantities of crack or cocaine in Oklahoma are very harsh and very often personal use can be misconstrued as a possession for the sale of cocaine depending on the fashion 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.
Cocaine Defense Attorney
Between jail time, state prison and a forgiving treatment program, how the case is managed identifies the probable options you may have. As shown, a cocaine investigation is inherently a complex one by nature, as particular law enforcement agencies put forth very aggressive maneuvers and extreme 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 analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the facts at hand. Knowing how to make use of them is what makes all the difference.
