MARIJUANA & DRUG CRIMES

Marijuana Offenses in Indiana

Possession of marijuana or other controlled substances is prosecuted aggressively in Indiana. Drug charges can also escalate to higher felony offense levels for allegations of dealing, possession of large amounts of drugs, or by possession or dealing within 500 feet of a school or public park.

Marijuana and paraphernalia arrests are prosecuted in high volume in Indiana and carry the possibility of jail time and a criminal record. If you are arrested on marijuana charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands how to attack illegal police encounters and searches.

Defending drug charges requires analyzing the police encounter:

Did police have reasonable suspicion to justify contact with you?
Did police have probable cause and a search warrant?
If you consented to a search was it really voluntary? Were you advised of your right to speak with an attorney?
Can you avoid a conviction with a Diversion Agreement or Conditional Discharge?

The possible sentence for a marijuana charge depends on whether a person has a prior conviction for a drug offense and the quantity of marijuana. Indiana marijuana laws provide:

Possession of marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor.
Growing marijuana is a Class B misdemeanor.
Growing or possessing marijuana is a Class A misdemeanor if the person has a prior drug offense conviction.
Possession of more than 30 grams of marijuana is a Level 6 felony if the person has a prior conviction for a drug offense.

Indiana Marijuana Defense Attorneys: Offices in Lafayette, Bloomington, Fort Wayne, and Anderson

Gibson Law Office aggressively defends marijuana and paraphernalia charges throughout Indiana. Our criminal defense attorneys analyze the police encounter to identify illegal searches that resulted in criminal charges. Gibson Law attorneys have extensive experience representing college students at Purdue, IU, and Ball State who were arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop or apartment or dorm room search. We develop a strategy to attack the evidence and have won motions to suppress evidence, resulting in charges being dismissed, following illegal police searches. If you are arrested on drug charges, call Gibson Law Office for a free consultation.

Cocaine and Methamphetamine

Charges of possession or dealing cocaine or methamphetamine can result in harsh sentences and require an aggressive defense. A person who possesses less than 5 grams of cocaine or methamphetamine commits a Level 6 felony. However, the offense can elevate to a Level 5 felony, Level 4 felony, or Level 3 felony for larger quantities or if a person possessed a gun during the offense. Dealing in cocaine or methamphetamine can be charged as a Level 2 felony if more than 10 grams is involved. When dealing charges are filed, it is critical to hire an experienced attorney who can attack the evidence.

Pills and Controlled Substances

Possession of certain controlled substances without a valid prescription from a doctor, including Xanax, Adderall, ecstasy, and psychedelic mushrooms, is a criminal offense in Indiana. Charges can be filed as a misdemeanor or Level 6 felony depending on whether certain enhancing circumstances apply. In some cases, a person is eligible to have a felony charge entered as a misdemeanor.

FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION

Talk to an experienced criminal attorney now.

You need to act fast to protect your rights. Certain defenses and motions must be filed prior to deadlines set by the court. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys will develop a strategy to attack the evidence in your case. Schedule a free consultation now.