Best lawyer in Jonesboro!!!
Hal Rees
Types of Drug Cases in Arkansas
The lawyers at the Rees Law Firm have defended people charged with various types of drug offenses. Some of the most common charges we handle include the following types of accused crimes:
Possession – Possession can quickly become a felony, depending on the drug discovered and the amount of the drug found. For instance, a small amount of marijuana will likely be a misdemeanor charge, while possession of a large amount of marijuana will be a felony charge.
Paraphernalia –Even if not found in conjunction with drugs, drug paraphernalia is illegal to possess in Arkansas. If you have paraphernalia associated with certain lower-level drugs, you might be charged with a misdemeanor. However, possession of cocaine or methamphetamine paraphernalia is a felony. In addition, possession of paraphernalia that is used to manufacture or distribute drugs is a felony in Arkansas.
Manufacture – Manufacture of any drug is illegal in Arkansas and is considered a felony. The level of felony will depend on the drug involved and the circumstances involved.
Distribution – Distribution or sale of any illegal drug is a felony in Arkansas. This is true even for people who provide paraphernalia or equipment to someone else who intends to sell or distribute. The level of felony will depend on the drug involved and the circumstances involved.
Trafficking – Trafficking charges can involve any incidents of manufacturing, selling, distributing, or purchasing (in large amounts) drugs, or can involve a combination of these crimes. Trafficking charges are serious felonies.
Within these types of charges, our firm has handled cases involving all of the following drugs:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamines
- Heroin
- Prescription drugs
- Ecstasy
- LSD
We understand any type of drug charge is going to cause you stress and worry. We will work tirelessly to make the procedure as smooth for you as possible and to ensure you receive the best result possible. Contact our office today to discuss your case and schedule a consultation with one of our skilled Arkansas attorney.
Drug Classifications in Arkansas
Arkansas classifies drugs into six Schedules depending on the type of drug and likelihood of abuse. The schedule of a drug can change the type of charge you face, whether misdemeanor or felony. The schedules of drugs in Arkansas are as follows:
- Schedule I – Schedule I drugs include opiates and hallucinogenic substances. These have the highest probability of abuse and can cause severe side effects.
- Schedule II – Schedule II drugs include codeine and hydrocodone. These have a high probability of abuse but do have some accepted medical uses. However, if abused, these drugs can lead to serious dependence and complications.
- Schedule III – Schedule III drugs include ketamine and anabolic steroids. They do not have as high a probability of abuse as other drugs and have some accepted medical uses.
- Schedule IV – Schedule IV drugs include lorazepam and barbital. They have a lower probability of abuse and have accepted medical uses.
- Schedule V – Schedule V drugs include pseudoephedrine and have a lower probability of abuse. They are considered the least dangerous types of drugs. They do have accepted medical uses and low levels of dependence.
- Schedule VI – Schedule VI drugs include all drugs that do not fit into any of the other five Schedules. Marijuana is a schedule VI drug. These drugs are classified as having high probability of abuse without accepted medical uses.
Most drug possession charges will be classified as felonies. Possession of a small amount of a Schedule VI drug can be charged as a misdemeanor. However, small amounts of any other drug (without a valid prescription) will almost always be charged as felonies.
Felony Drug Penalties in Arkansas
The penalty attached to a felony drug charge will depend on the “Class” of felony. This is party dependent on the drug involved and partly dependent on the activity with which you are charged. There are five classes of felonies in the state — Y, A, B, C, and D — and each carries different potential punishments.
- Class D Felony – The least serious type of felony, a Class D felony carries a potential penalty of:
i. Prison time of up to 6 years
ii. Fine of up to $10,000 - Class C Felony – A lower-level felony, a Class C felony carries a potential penalty of:
i. Prison time of 3 to 10 years
ii. Fine of up to $10,000 - Class B Felony – An intermediate-level felony, a Class B felony carries a potential penalty of:
i. Prison time of 5 to 20 years
ii. Fine of up to $15,000 - Class A Felony – A high-level felony, a Class A felony carries a potential penalty of:
i. Prison time of up to 30 years
ii. Fine of up to $15,000 - Class Y Felony – The most serious type of felony that is not punishable by death, a Class Y felony carries a potential penalty of:
i. Prison time of 10 to 40 years
ii. Possible life imprisonment
Felony drug charges are serious and carry large potential consequences. You need to be sure you hire a skilled lawyer to help you fight these charges and achieve a favorable result in your case. Contact the Rees Law Firm today to receive an attorney consultation regarding your drug case.
Contact the Rees Law Firm Today
Attorney Mark Rees has the knowledge and trial experience you need during an Arkansas drug case. Contact the Rees Law Firm today at (870) 931-2100 to schedule your case consultation and start building your winning defense.