Whether it’s possession of marijuana or dealing first they have to PROVE “possession”. Most criminal drug charges begin with the accusation that someone knowingly or intentionally “possessed” an illegal substance. (Though, there are a few exceptions). It sounds like a simple idea, but in the criminal courts in Marion County and elsewhere, the question of who “possessed” an item is routinely debated by attorneys. As a skilled drug crimes defense firm, expect for us to make a zealous and vigorous debate for your freedom. Little known to most, most offenses end up in dismissal. Here is why a number of these offenses end up dismissed.
Actual VS. Constructive Drug Possession
Under Indiana law, there are two ways to prove possession of something. Firstly, the law states that the State may seek to prove “actual possession” by showing that an accused person had direct physical control over a prohibited item. However, the law also takes the position that the State may also make its case by proving that an accused person had “constructive possession” of something beyond a reasonable doubt. The law states that to make a case for constructive possession, the State must show that a defendant had both an intent as well as the capability to maintain dominion and control over the contraband item. This makes gaining a conviction for these offenses a much harder case for the government to make.
How Indiana Drug Charges Get Complicated
What if there are multiple people found near the guns or drugs? What if there’s only one person found with the drugs but the State cannot show that the defendant knew the drugs or gun were there? What if someone is willing to admit that the drugs belonged to them and not you? Will the prosecutor dismiss the case? All of these are great questions. If you’re facing a charge for drug dealing or possession of cocaine or marijuana or something else, please don’t hesitate to Call the Law Offices of Jesse K. Sanchez.
Types of Controlled Substances
- Schedule I — Drugs on this schedule are considered to have the highest potential for abuse and addiction, and the least medical benefit. Examples of Schedule I controlled substances include heroin, marijuana, ecstasy and LSD.
- Schedule II — Drugs on this schedule are considered to have a high potential for abuse and addiction, and some medical benefit but with restrictions. Examples of Schedule II controlled substances include narcotic pain medicines such as codeine, hydrocodone, oxycodone, or morphine, and drugs such as cocaine, crack, meth, and PCP.
- Schedule III — Drugs on this schedule are considered to have a moderate potential for abuse and addiction, and accepted medical use. Examples of Schedule III substances include lower doses of codeine, anabolic steroids, and ketamine.
- Schedule IV — Drugs on this schedule are considered to have a low potential for abuse and addiction, and accepted medical use. Examples of Schedule IV substances include Ambien, Xanax, Valium, or pain medication Darvocet.
- Schedule V — Drugs on this schedule are considered to have the lowest potential for abuse and addiction in relation to other drug schedules, and accepted medical use. An example of a Schedule V substance includes very low doses of codeine.
As an Indiana defense attorney, there are a number of drug crimes that we have experience in defending and winning. Some of the common drug cases are :
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Marijuana possession
- Marijuana dealing
- Dealing
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Possession of narcotics
- Possession of cocaine
- Dealing controlled substances
- Dealing Methamphetamine
- Dealing cocaine
- Dealing narcotics
- Possession or sale of drug precursors
An Argument to Suppress Drug Evidence
While under the law arguments to suppress criminal evidence are often quite complicated, all “motions to suppress” essentially claim that the rights of the accused person were violated in some fundamental way. Therefore, any evidence gained from the violation should be excluded from evidence or “suppressed.” It’s a controversial technique, because it can take criminal evidence that makes a defendant look “obviously guilty” and get it thrown right out of court.
Call Criminal Lawyer Jesse K. Sanchez at (317) 721-9858 today!
Drug Dealing Cases: Some Points to Consider:
CAN THE STATE PROVE DRUG DEALING BY SHOWING AN INTENT TO DELIVER?
In drug dealing cases, the State often has to prove something in addition to simple criminal possession (actual or constructive) of a drug. Frequently, the State is required to show that the defendant had an “intent to deliver” drugs in his possession (though, to be clear, there are other ways to make a dealing case, such as financing the manufacture or delivery of a drug). This is an interesting element because, to show an intent to deliver, the government must essentially prove what a defendant would have done with drugs at a future time.
The Perils of Circumstantial Evidence in a Drug Case
How can we know what someone would have done with something in the future? Well, we can’t know anyone’s future intent with 100% certainty. There’s simply no way to measure someone’s intent directly. At best, we can make good guesses about a person’s intent based on the surrounding circumstances. This kind of indirect evidence is called circumstantial evidence. For example, if you watch me walk to Starbucks and stand in line, you can make a pretty good guess that my intent is to buy coffee. Can you be certain? No. All of your evidence is indirect, circumstantial. Plus, you could be wrong. Maybe I know the cashier and just wanted to say hi. Maybe I was there to apply for a job.
Call Criminal Defense Lawyer Jesse K. Sanchez
at (317) 721-9858 today!
This is what makes dealing cases so nuanced and interesting to analyze. They’re frequently chock full of circumstantial evidence, just like in the Starbucks example. The amounts of drugs, the way they are packaged, whether the defendant had money on him and in what amount. The problem with this kind of evidence is that it’s always subject to a different interpretation. Just because you saw me standing in line, does not mean I was going to buy coffee. Similarly, just because I had some quantity of cocaine does not mean I was going to sell it. That’s the problem with circumstantial evidence.
Potential Penalties for Losing a Drug Trial
The fact is that many of the drug offenses in Indiana are felonies. If you are convicted of a drug crime in Indiana, the penalties for these offenses can be harsh and you face some very serious and potentially lifelong consequences that may include:
- Fines
- Potentially unable to receive government benefits payments such as emergency EBT cash funding
- Potentially ineligible to receive grants or student loans to pay for technical school, college or university classes and degrees
- A denial of visa, a green card, U.S. citizenship, and you could possibly face deportation
- Worst of all, a prison or jail sentence
How Much are Fees in a Drug Defense Case
The fees can vary greatly based on a number of factors which include,
- The type of charge
- The type of drug in possession
- The intent behind possession
Generally speaking, however as an affordable drug charge defense lawyer, in certain situations, we offer payment plans. Based on the crime, you can expect to pay anywhere in between $500- $5,000 for most cases.
Let Us Be Your Indianapolis, Indiana Drug Crime Attorney
The life of a convicted criminal is not an easy life to lead. If you’ve been charged and need an Indiana drug crime lawyer, please contact Indianapolis Defense Attorney, Jesse K. Sanchez at (317) 721-9858 NOW to discuss your alleged drug charge.
