If you are carrying or have in your control a drug or any substance that the Indianapolis Drug Crime Law deems to be illegal, you could face stiff penalties. You’ll suffer more severe consequences if you are also carrying a firearm.
How Does the Indianapolis Drug Crime Law Define a Controlled Substance?
Under Indiana state laws as well as federal laws, any drug that poses a risk to human health and wellbeing by creating addiction is considered a controlled substance. These include cocaine and heroin as well as methamphetamines and PCP.
What if the Police Also Catch Me Carrying a Firearm?
If you are charged with possession and also have a firearm when you are arrested, you can face stronger penalties because it looks like you were planning an additional crime such as drug trafficking. The severity of penalties you may face will depend on how many drugs you had in your possession when you were arrested. The court will also look at your previous criminal record if any.
In addition, being armed while carrying controlled substances is typically a federal offense, meaning you’ll have to serve prison time and pay a fine if convicted. The court may also convict you of violating a federal firearm law. If the court convicts you of one of these crimes, you can be imprisoned for up to 87 months. If the court also determines that you are a career criminal, you will serve a minimum of 15 years in prison. You may also have to pay a fine of up to $250,000.
What Should I Do?
There are legal defenses available to you under the Indianapolis Drug Crime Law. Still, the consequences of losing in court can be serious. You will need a qualified criminal defense attorney to help you prepare a defense. A drug crime lawyer in Indianapolis like Kevin Potts can help. Contact Potts Law at (317) 951-0087 or fill out the online contact form.
