Cocaine Possession
Possession of cocaine in any form is illegal in most parts of the world. The
United States is not an exception, and the possession of cocaine powder and
rock or crack cocaine is illegal.
Cocaine possession is considered a drug crime. Depending on the circumstances,
you could be charged with:
- Cocaine possession
- Cocaine possession with intent to sell
- Cocaine trafficking
These are different charges with different punishments. What you are charged
with depends on the amount of cocaine found. If you are arrested in possession
of larger amounts of cocaine, you could be charged with intent to sell or
trafficking. The threshold amounts for these charges vary according to state
laws.
Cocaine Laws
Cocaine laws exist at the state and federal level, and cocaine charges can
be brought at either. Which drug laws apply to you depends upon the jurisdiction in which you were arrested and whether you are charged by state or federal authorities.
Keep in mind that you can be charged with cocaine possession even if cocaine
is not in your hands or in your pockets. If cocaine is found in your car, in
your home or in a purse or bag, or is "under your control" you can be charged with cocaine possession.
Also, multiple people can be in possession of the same cocaine. So if people
bring cocaine into your home or car, then you could be charged with a drug
crime even if the cocaine “wasn’t yours.”
Cocaine laws in some states mandate that even simple cocaine possession can
be charged as a felony. In other instances it is considered a misdemeanor at
the lowest quantities.
Cocaine Possession Penalties
Penalties for cocaine possession vary according to the charge. In states
where simple possession is considered a felony the penalties are harsher and
may include prison time and fines. In other states, simple possession may result
in mandatory drug treatment programs and fines, and even jail time.
The more serious crimes of possession with intent to sell and cocaine
trafficking carry some very harsh penalties. As with marijuana possession,
convictions for these drug crimes often carry mandatory minimum sentencing at
the state and federal level.
Mandatory minimum sentencing means that if you are convicted the judge hands
down an automatic sentence, regardless of your previous criminal record. This means
that even a first offense can result in a decade-long jail sentence – or more!
Cocaine Possession Charges? Protect Your Rights with a Criminal Defense
Lawyer
A cocaine possession or trafficking arrest is serious business. Depending on the amount of
cocaine and your drug charge, you could be facing 20 years in prison.
If you’ve been charged with a drug crime you still have rights. Protect your
rights by speaking with a criminal defense lawyer.
A criminal defense lawyer can get you the information you need to during this
turbulent time. To properly defend your case, there might be paperwork that needs
to be filed or evidence to review. A lawyer can help you hit important deadlines
and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Can you afford to leave your future hanging in the balance? Let a defense lawyer
help you.
To speak with a criminal defense attorney near you, simply fill out the free
case evaluation form on this page or call, toll free, 847-445-1059.