Attorney David E. Lewis Can Help You With Your Marion County Meth Charges

If you’ve just been released on bail for crystal meth charges in Marion County, Indiana, a licensed criminal defense attorney is your only chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for your meth charges. Fortunately, the Law Office of David E. Lewis is here to help you defend your Indianapolis drug crimes!

Continue reading to learn how Attorney David E. Lewis and his team can build you a strong and impactful defense to reduce or dismiss your meth amphetamine charges in Marion County.

Indianapolis Meth Crime Lawyer
Indianapolis Meth Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514

Meth Crimes DEMAND Aggressive Criminal Defense

If you were recently charged with possession or attempting to distribute meth, it is vital to hire a seasoned criminal defense lawyer with the skills to build you an impactful defense for the sole purpose of reducing or dismissing your charges, or entering into an alternative sentencing agreement. David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, is your solution to avoiding the maximum penalties for drug charges. Regardless of where your meth amphetamine charges originate from, our esteemed criminal defense law firm can take on your case in Marion County, as well as, throughout all of Indianapolis.

We will work around the clock to ensure your rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved. You don’t want to go to jail, and we don’t want that for you either! Our top priority to avoid jail time. From there, we use every resource and defense in our power to aggressively fight your charges, and reduce your penalties as much as possible. You can potentially avoid heavier fines, extended probation and parole, community service, rehabilitation, and more.

We are a JUDGEMENT-FREE Law Firm

The Law Office of David E. Lewis is dedicated to providing personalized case assistance and legal defense in an environment free of judgement. We are in this profession to help clients get their lives back on track after being charged with a misdemeanor or felony drug crime. Meth amphetamine is a serious drug that can render infinite and permanent life consequences, which is why he is also here to provide clients with resources for addiction counseling and management.

Get in Touch Today to Start Building an Impactful Drug Defense

Call the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to discuss your recent meth charges in Indiana. He is the tough and experienced Indianapolis drug crimes lawyer that will stop at nothing to protect and preserve your constitutional rights. Not only does our law firm invest every ounce of effort we possess into obtaining better-quality outcomes for our client’s cases, we also help our clients get on a path to recovery and rebuilding their lives after a drug addiction or federal charge.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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How Long Will I Go to Jail for Oxycodone Possession?

Oxycodone is a serious drug. Known as an opioid, it is used mostly as a base substance to make a large number of powerful pain medications, such as Oxycontin, which is just a time-release version of oxycodone. Oxy is meant to be used solely for treating severe and chronic pain in patients with extensive injuries, or debilitating illnesses that cause life-long pain. It is highly regulated and only available (and legal) through prescription by a licensed physician.

That is because oxycodone is highly addictive and can quickly lead to dependence, and therefore, abuse. The problem with non-medically supervised, illegal oxy use is the very serious and real risk of death. You see, oxy medications cause respiratory distress, and in many cases, leads to death when taken in large or continuing doses. The risk of death is even more likely when oxy meds are also taken with other narcotics, especially alcohol.

For these reasons, being caught in possession of oxycodone without a valid prescription can land you in a lot of trouble. Continue reading to see how Indiana statute penalizes those arrested and charged with oxycodone possession.

Prescription Drug Possession Attorney
Prescription Drug Possession Attorney 317-636-7514

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Here in Indiana, those caught with oxycodone without a legal prescription have committed the crime of possession of a controlled substance. Indiana Code 35-48-4-7 clearly states: “A person who, without a valid prescription or order of a practitioner acting in the course of the practitioner’s professional practice, knowingly or intentionally possesses a controlled substance (pure or adulterated) classified in schedule I, II, III, or IV, except marijuana, hashish, salvia, or a synthetic cannabinoid, commits possession of a controlled substance (…).”

Indiana Drug Schedules

In Indiana, a classification system is used to categorize and define all drugs and controlled substances according to their abuse potential and addictive nature. These classifications are called “schedules”, and were developed by Federal government and Indiana legislature. They range in number, from 1 to 5, and can also be influenced by other factors, including the level of acceptance for medical treatment, physical dependence, and psychological dependence.

Oxycodone is a Schedule II drug. Schedule two drugs are considered to be any drug less dangerous than Schedule I drugs. They may have legitimate medical uses, but with a high risk of abuse. A drug can be classified as a Schedule II if it has high abuse potential, is either medically accepted or has severe medical restrictions, and causes physical and psychological dependence. Other Schedule II drugs include cocaine, crack, PCP (phencyclidine), opium, raw opium, opium extracts, methamphetamines, amphetamines, methylphenidate, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, and more.

Penalties for Schedule II Drug Possession

Possession of a Schedule II drug is a Class A Misdemeanor, which is punishable by:

? O – 1 Year in Jail
? O – 1 Year of Probation
? Fine Up to $5,000

After being charged with possession of drugs, it is important to start learning what you are up against. Such charges can cause an instant ripple effect in your life. On top of the immediate damage to your reputation and hefty fines, drug possession charges can lead to loss of employment, driving privileges, child custody, financial aid benefits, housing, and much more. Most importantly, you can lose your freedom. For this reason, it is critical to have an aggressive defense attorney behind you all the way.

Trust an Experienced Indiana Drug Possession Lawyer

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law at 317-636-7514 to get help with your Indiana drug crime charges, today. Whether charged with possession, dealing, or prescription fraud, our Indianapolis criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies of defense for your case. Avoid the maximum penalties for your misdemeanor or felony criminal charges by calling David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, today!

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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Facts About Immunity in Criminal Cases

Our country’s Constitution gives every United States Citizen various liberties and freedoms. One of which that has to do with criminal charges is our 5th amendment, which protects criminal suspects from self-incrimination. What does that mean for those facing criminal charges? Mostly, it means that you cannot be forced to reveal certain information that will a) directly incriminate you, or b) indirectly incriminate you by giving investigators information of incriminating evidence. In some cases, prosecutors can work their way around this amendment by offering immunity.

Continue reading to learn more about immunity in a criminal case, including the types of immunity, their potential restrictions, and who to trust for superior criminal defense advice near you.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514
Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Immunity Basics

In the case that a prosecutor suspects a person of criminal activity, but cannot get any usable information out of them as a result of their constitutional rights, they may instead offer them immunity in exchange for their testimony against another suspect or criminal group. This type of prosecution bargain is most common in cases that can lead investigators to stopping much larger, organized criminal operations, such as drug and sex trafficking, black market businesses, white collar crimes, and more.

Types of Immunity

There are two common types of immunity offered by prosecution in criminal cases: Total Immunity and Use and Derivative Use Immunity. Total immunity, also known as transactional immunity, refers to an arrangement that gives a suspect complete protection against being charged at any point in the future based on matters related to their testimony. Keep in mind that, under this arrangement, prosecution can still bring charges against an immunized suspect, so long as the charges are based on entirely independent matters unrelated to their testimony.

Use and derivative use immunity is a similar arrangement to total immunity, but with more restriction, which is why it is the more common type offered in criminal cases. A person who is granted this type of immunity will be protected against being charged by prosecution based on statements, or any evidence uncovered from their statements, given in their immunized testimony. Essentially, this situation renders the same result as a person invoking their 5th amendment right.

Deciding on Immunity

Because there is more than one type of immunity, it is vital to your future and your freedom to fully understand the deal being offered to you before agreeing to it and signing any documents. In fact, it is strongly encouraged to have your Indiana criminal defense lawyer review such offers and help you make the best decisions for your case. Furthermore, there are several limitations to immunity, which can also confuse or mislead you. For instance, once you agree to an immunity, you must comply and go through with the deal. If you do not, you will face various penalties, including hefty fines and jail time.

Get Trusted Criminal Defense Advice in Indiana

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you have been charged with a crime in Indianapolis or anywhere else within Central Indiana. He offers aggressive and experienced criminal defense for anyone facing criminal charges in Indiana. Don’t settle for an attorney that doesn’t have the drive. Attorney David E. Lewis will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. We also offer criminal record expungement services to help clean up your criminal history and improve your quality of life!

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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Is it Legal to Buy Marijuana in Illinois and Bring it Back to Indiana?

Illinois has joined the various other states in their 2019 ballot initiative to legalize recreational and medical marijuana consumption. This means that Illinois residents, 21 years and older, are legally permitted to possess, transport, consume, and even cultivate cannabis. As a bordering state to Indiana, many Hoosiers want to know if they can visit Illinois, purchase marijuana products, and then bring them home to Indiana for personal use. This is a very relevant and predictable inquiry, as marijuana laws are constantly changing around the country every day.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know as an Indiana resident visiting Illinois.

Indianapolis Marijuana Lawyer
Indianapolis Marijuana Lawyer 317-636-7514

Before Illinois enacted their cannabis legalization laws, possession of marijuana was a misdemeanor crime, punishable by 1 year in jail and $2,000 in fines. Trafficking and cultivation rendered even more serious penalties. But in June 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the bill after the ballot to legalize recreational adult marijuana use was approved by voters. So, Illinois state law now permits the consumption and possession of marijuana, whether with or without a medical marijuana card.

For Illinois residents, this means that, at any time, the state laws regarding marijuana can be overturned by Federal legislation. Right now, residents of the state can possess up to 30 grams of cannabis. The legal limit for cannabis concentrate is 5 grams, while the limit for cannabis-infused products, such as edibles or tinctures, is 500 milligrams of THC (the chemical that produces a high).

Indiana Marijuana Laws

As for Indiana residents who are visiting the Illinois, the law allows you to possess up to half of the amounts of Illinois residents. This means you can have up to 15 grams of marijuana, 2.5 grams of concentrate, and 250 milligrams of infused products. As for taking Illinois marijuana back home to Indiana, the law will stand in your way. Cannabis is illegal in Indiana across the board, and there is zero talk of legalization. This means that if you decide to visit Illinois and purchase marijuana, you CANNOT legally bring it back across Indiana borders. If you do, you are instantly breaking the law.

If you are caught by law enforcement, you will be arrested. However, there is some hope. Recently, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office declared that it will no longer prosecute petty marijuana cases. Here’s what Prosecutor Ryan Mears had to say, “Too often, an arrest for marijuana possession puts individuals into the system who otherwise would not be. That is not a win for our community. (…) The enforcement of marijuana policy has disproportionately impacted people of color, and this is a first step to addressing that. (…) Our priority is violent crime. (…) We are not going to mess around with these small possession of marijuana cases.”

Get Help With Marijuana Charges in Indiana

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you have been charged with a marijuana crime in Indianapolis or anywhere else within Central Indiana. He offers aggressive and experienced criminal defense for anyone facing criminal charges in Indiana. Don’t settle for an attorney that doesn’t have the drive. Attorney David E. Lewis will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. We also offer criminal record expungement services to help clean up your criminal history and improve your quality of life!

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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Marion County Grants Legal Leniency for Minor Marijuana Offenses

A BIG announcement was made yesterday by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office regarding simple marijuana cases. Continue reading to learn more about the legendary changes made to the Marion County laws surrounding minor marijuana possession and consumption.

Indianapolis Marijuana Lawyer 317-636-7514
Indianapolis Marijuana Lawyer 317-636-7514

Standard Marijuana Penalties in Indiana

Traditionally, anyone who is caught in possession of, using, distributing, selling, or manufacturing marijuana would be subjected to strict criminal charges. For example, a person caught with under 30 grams of marijuana that has no prior drug offenses would face up to six months in jail, up to $1,000 in fines (not including court costs and probation fees), and charged with a Class B misdemeanor.

However, in a news conference in Indianapolis on Monday, September 30th, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office made a big announcement. They have officially decreed that they will NOT prosecute minor marijuana offenses anymore! Here’s what Prosecutor Ryan Mears had to say:

“Too often, an arrest for marijuana possession puts individuals into the system who otherwise would not be. That is not a win for our community. (…) The enforcement of marijuana policy has disproportionately impacted people of color, and this is a first step to addressing that.”

He went on to say, “Our priority is violent crime. (…) We are not going to mess around with these small possession of marijuana cases.”

Even the former chief deputy prosecutor acknowledged that minor marijuana offenses were clogging up the court system, overcrowding jails, and exhausting resources that should be put toward violent crimes.”

On the other hand, Indiana Attorney General, Curtis Hill, is concerned about the prosecutor’s decision, stating, “I respect and support the fact that prosecutors have absolute discretion in deciding when to file criminal charges and how to allocate their resources. Typically, though, prosecutors carefully exercise this discretion on a case-by-case basis rather than proclaiming that in all cases they will ignore a particular state law not to their liking. I am concerned that this proclamation in Marion County will attract to Indianapolis people with a particular interest in communities where drug enforcement is lax. It seems to me a curious strategy to put out a welcome mat for lawbreakers in a community already facing challenges related to crime, homelessness and other social problems stemming from drug abuse.”

And the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police is openly rejecting the prosecutor’s decision, submitting a statement saying, “(…) While we recognize and value prosecutorial discretion, our law enforcement officers have significant concerns anytime a single person elects to unilaterally not enforce a state law as a matter of practice or policy. We are attempting to better understand the basis for this decision and any potential unintended outcomes. In the interim, it is our understanding the IMPD Chief of Police has directed officers to continue to enforce the laws as proscribed by the State of Indiana and we strongly concur.”

What You Should Take From All This

So what does all this mean for Marion County residents and visitors? It means that anyone over the age of 18 years old will no longer face the above-mentioned criminal penalties for minor possession of marijuana. In fact, since the announcement, Marion County has dismissed eight out of ten minor marijuana possession cases.

Marijuana crimes that will continue to be prosecuted include driving while intoxicated (DWI), public consumption, growing, dealing, and trafficking. So do not go to the park and light one up. Only minor possession of marijuana is being dismissed as a chargeable offense. Furthermore, it is just Marion County that has made this announcement, which means that all other counties still adhere to the conventional state laws governing all types of marijuana offenses.

Expunging Marijuana Convictions

Not only is the Marion County prosecutor currently examining over 350 pending drug cases to see where improvements can be made, he is planning to assist those who have minor marijuana possession convictions with criminal record expungement. So if you have been convicted of minor marijuana possession in the past, talk to an Indiana criminal expungement lawyer as soon as possible to learn your rights to sealing or destroying such records.

A Trusted Indianapolis Marijuana Crime Lawyer

Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to learn everything you need to know about the new Marion County marijuana laws. If you are facing marijuana charges in Indiana, or any other type of drug charge, he can help you avoid the maximum penalties for your crimes. He will work around the clock using every resource in his grasp to build you an impactful defense that may reduce or dismiss your drug charges in Indiana. He also offers assistance with criminal record expungement, with rates starting as low as $850! Call to schedule a consultation, today!

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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Were You Arrested for Prescription Drug Possession in Indiana?

Prescription drug use is prevalent here in Indiana. But as a schedule II narcotic, you will be arrested if you are caught in possession of such drugs without a valid prescription, and therefore, face a long list of penalties. Continue reading to learn what you need to do to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms when facing prescription drug charges in Indiana.

Prescription Drug Attorney
Prescription Drug Attorney 317-636-7514

Schedule II Drugs

According to Indiana Code 35-48-2-6, Schedule two drugs are considered to be any drug less dangerous than Schedule I drugs. They may have legitimate medical uses, but with a high risk of abuse. A drug can be classified as a Schedule II if it has high abuse potential, is either medically accepted or has severe medical restrictions, and causes physical and psychological dependence.

Schedule II drugs include cocaine, crack, PCP (phencyclidine), opium, raw opium, opium extracts, methamphetamines, amphetamines, methylphenidate, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, methadone, pethidine, amobarbital, glutethimide, pentobarbital,and phenmetrazine.

Indiana Prescription Drug Penalties

Your prescription drug charges can be further enhanced as a more serious offense if certain facts are present during your arrest. Examples of possible prescription drug possession enhancements:

➨ Drug Manufacturing
➨ Priors for Dealing
➨ Possession of Firearm
➨ In Drug-Free Zones
➨ Presence of Children
➨ On School Grounds or Within 500 Feet
➨ Dealing to a Minor
➨ On or Within 500 Feet of a Park or School Bus
➨ Dealing to Someone 3 Years One’s Junior
➨ And More

Even without enhancements, the penalties for prescription drug possession can be harsh…

POSSESSION:
➥ 0 Months to 1 Year in an Indiana County Jail Facility
➥ Probation up to 1 Year
➥ Fine up to $5,000 – Not including court costs and probation fees
➥ Class A Misdemeanor

DEALING – 1 TO 5 GRAMS:
Minimum of 2 Years – Average 6 Years – Max 12 Years in Prison
Level 4 Felony

DEALING – 5 TO 10 GRAMS:
Minimum of 3 Years – Average 9 Years – Max 16 Years in Prison
Level 3 Felony

DEALING – OVER 10 GRAMS:
Minimum of 10 Years – Average 17 ½ Years – Max 30 Years in Prison
Level 2 Felony

Additional penalties may be applied to all of the above sentences, including drug and alcohol education, impact panels, community service, ankle monitors, ignition interlock devices, and more.

Unfortunately, Indiana does not view drug addiction as a health epidemic, but rather a crime, if you have been recently arrested for prescription drug possession or trafficking, you need an aggressive criminal defense attorney representing your legal best interests. Otherwise, you face the possibility of being sentenced to the maximum penalties for your crime.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addition, please refer to the National Institute on Drug Abuse for information that can help.

Prescription Drug Defense in Indiana

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law at 317-636-7514 for prescription drug defense in Indiana. Our law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies of defense for your case. Avoid the maximum penalties for your misdemeanor or felony criminal charges by calling David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, today!

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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Criminal Defense Tips for Being Interviewed as a Suspect

If you are suspected of being involved in a crime, and as a result, must cooperate with a detective interview, it is gravely important to know how to protect yourself from self-incrimination and more. Continue reading to learn some vital criminal defense tips you need to know before being interrogated or interviewed as a potential suspect in a crime.

Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514
Criminal Defense Law Firm 317-636-7514

Police Gimmicks and Ploys

When a detective asks a person to voluntarily come by the station to answer a few questions regarding a criminal case, they actually have a hidden agenda that is not made evident to the person being asked to come in. For one, law enforcement officials are not legally obligated to tell you that you are a suspect in a criminal investigation.

In fact, one of the oldest tricks in the book is to address you initially as a potential witness, and act very polite and friendly to lower your guard and make you feel comfortable giving up wanted information. Another part of this ploy is that if you come into the station voluntarily, you are not in custody. This means law enforcement does not have to read you your Miranda Rights, which remind you of your right to remain silent and your right to a lawyer.

And the gimmicks do not stop there. People often feel like they can handle a police interrogation, and feel confident that they have no valid evidence against them. But this is one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a possible suspect in a criminal investigation. This is because police can make up anything they want to get a person to say things that didn’t really happen.

It is common for detectives to tell suspects that they have video surveillance of them committing the crime, or that they found their DNA all over the scene of the crime. They will say anything they have to in order to get a suspect to admit or give up information. It is also common for suspects to give false confession after hours of endless interrogation.

Always Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney

If you are ever asked to voluntarily come into a police station for questioning, or provide a statement regarding a criminal matter, remain silent. And then contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately. They can evaluate your situation and determine if it’s best for you to give a statement or remain silent. They will protect your rights and preserve your freedom to their best ability.

Aggressive Criminal Defense in Indiana

Contact David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to start building a strong and impactful defense against your criminal charges so that you have a chance at avoiding the maximum penalties for your suspected crimes. Our Indianapolis criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations, so there is no out-of-pocket obligations to you. Get started protecting your future, today.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
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What are Legend Drugs?

If you are on the prescription drug spectrum, whether as a medical professional, user, addict, or patient, you may have heard of the term, legend drugs. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about such drugs, including how to avoid the maximum penalties for prescription drug charges in Indiana.

Indianapolis Prescription Drug Lawyer
Indianapolis Prescription Drug Lawyer 317-636-7514

Legend Drugs and the Law

Legend drugs, simply known better as prescription drugs, can be both controlled narcotic substances and non-narcotic drugs. They are drugs that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for dispersal to the public. However, both state and federal law require legend drugs to be dispensed only with a prescription from a licensed physician or other licensed provider.

Aside from medical practitioners, such drugs can be authorized by veterinarians, dentists, optometrists, and other licensed medical professionals. Nurses, medical assistants, midwives, emergency medical technicians, social workers, and even psychologists are not legally authorized to write prescriptions or disperse such drugs.

Prescription Drug Charges

Here in Indiana, it is against the law to a) forge prescriptions, b) write prescriptions as a medical professional to a patient that does not require them, c) write prescriptions as a non-authorized medical professional, possess controlled narcotics without a prescription, and sale, distribute, and transport controlled narcotics. Check out the levels of punishment for some of the most common prescription drug crimes, below. These are without enhancements and priors.

? Possession:

Class A Misdemeanor
0 Months to 1 Year in an Indiana County Jail Facility.
Probation up to 1 Year.
Fine up to $5,000 – Not including court costs and probation fees.

? Fraud:

Level 6 Felony
Minimum of 6 Months – Average 1 Year – Max 2 ½ Years in Prison.
Probation up to 2 ½ Years.
Fine up to $10,000 – Not including court costs and probation fees.

? Dealing (Less than 5 grams):

Level 4 Felony
Minimum of 2 Years – Average 6 Years – Max 12 Years in Prison.

? Dealing (5 – 10 grams):

Level 3 Felony
Minimum of 3 Years – Average 9 Years – Max 16 Years in Prison.

? Dealing (Over 10 grams):

Level 2 Felony
Minimum of 10 Years – Average 17 ½ Years – Max 30 Years in Prison.

*Additional penalties may be applied to all of the above sentences, including drug and alcohol education, impact panels, community service, ankle monitors, ignition interlock devices, and more.

Criminal Defense for Drug Crimes in Indiana

Sadly, Indiana does not see drug addiction and usage as a health epidemic, but rather a crime, which means there will always be a need for a hard-hitting criminal defense drug crime lawyer. If you have been recently arrested for prescription drug possession or trafficking, you need an aggressive criminal defense lawyer on your side.

Indiana Criminal Defense You Can Trust

Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation with aggressive Indiana prescription drug crime lawyer, David E. Lewis. He will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. With decades of hands-on experience, you can trust Attorney David E. Lewis to build you a strong and impactful defense against your criminal charges. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation for Indianapolis criminal defense, today.

State and Federal Penalties for Getting Caught With Prescription Drugs

Prescription drug offenses have become an increasing epidemic, both nationally and internationally, within the past decade. Whether a person is taking prescribed drugs without a prescription, or abusing them as a result of a dependency, Indiana does not see drug addiction and usage as a health epidemic; instead, Indiana views illegal drug use as a crime, which means there will always be a need for a tough criminal defense drug crime lawyer.

Take a look below at some of the most common penalties for prescription drug charges.

Prescription Drug Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514
Prescription Drug Crime Lawyer 317-636-7514

State and Federal Prescription Drug Penalties

The most common prescription drug offenses here in Indiana include possession, trafficking, manufacturing, and variations of all three. There are penalties for each prescription drug crime, all of which vary in severity depending on several factors, such as the type of drug, the quantity recovered by law enforcement, Indiana drug schedules, criminal priors, criminal enhancements, and more.

As for enhancements, additional ones include, but are not limited to drug manufacturing, priors for dealing, possession of firearm, caught in drug-free zones, presence of children, on school grounds or within 500 feet, dealing to a minor, on or within 500 feet of a park or school bus, dealing to someone 3 years one’s junior.

Additional penalties may be applied to sentences, including hefty fines, probation, parole, drug screening, drug and alcohol education, impact panels, community service, ankle monitors, ignition interlock devices, and more.

Here is a general guideline to state and federal penalties for the above-mentioned prescription drug crimes:

STATE:

Possession (No Enhancements):
0 Months to 1 Year in an Indiana County Jail Facility
Class A Misdemeanor

FEDERAL:

Prescription Fraud (No Priors):
Minimum of 6 Months – Average 1 Year – Max 2 ½ Years in Prison
Level 6 Felony

Prescription Fraud (With Priors):
Minimum of 1 Year – Average 3 Years – Max 6 Years in Prison
Level 5 Felony

Dealing – 1 TO 5 GRAMS:
Minimum of 2 Years – Average 6 Years – Max 12 Years in Prison
Level 4 Felony

Dealing – 5 TO 10 GRAMS:
Minimum of 3 Years – Average 9 Years – Max 16 Years in Prison
Level 3 Felony

Dealing – UNDER 1 GRAM (With Enhancements):
Minimum of 2 Years – Average 6 Years – Max 12 Years in Prison
Level 4 Felony

Dealing – 5 TO 10 GRAMS:
Minimum of 3 Years – Average 9 Years – Max 16 Years in Prison
Level 3 Felony

Dealing – UNDER 5 GRAMS (With Enhancements):
Minimum of 3 Years – Average 9 Years – Max 16 Years in Prison
Level 3 Felony

Dealing – OVER 10 GRAMS:
Minimum of 10 Years – Average 17 ½ Years – Max 30 Years in Prison
Level 2 Felony

Dealing – 5 TO 10 GRAMS (With Enhancements):
Minimum of 10 Years – Average 17 ½ Years – Max 30 Years in Prison
Level 2 Felony

Indiana Prescription Drug Lawyer

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law
David E. Lewis Attorney at Law 317-636-7514

If you want to avoid jail time and other extreme drug crime penalties for prescription drug charges in Indiana, then you need the skills and determination of a licensed criminal defense lawyer. Attorney David E. Lewis will fight to reduce criminal charges, dismiss your cases, or enter you into alternative sentencing agreement in Indiana. He fights to protect and preserve your future and good name, and stops at nothing to win a more successful result for you. Call our office today at 317-636-7514 and schedule a free initial consultation to discuss and evaluate your case.

Can I Buy Marijuana in Michigan and Bring it Home to Indiana?

Michigan has joined the various other states in their 2018 ballot initiative to legalize recreational and medical marijuana consumption. This means that Michigan residents, 21 years and older, are able to possess, transport, use, and even grow marijuana. As a bordering state to Indiana, many Hoosiers want to know if they can visit Michigan, purchase marijuana products, and then bring them home to Indiana for personal use. This is a very relevant and predictable inquiry, as marijuana laws are constantly changing around the country, every day.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know as an Indiana resident visiting Michigan.

Marijuana Possession Lawyer 317-636-7514
Marijuana Possession Lawyer 317-636-7514

Michigan Residents

Before Michigan enacted their marijuana legalization laws, possession of marijuana was a misdemeanor crime, punishable by 1 year in jail and $2000 in fines. Trafficking and cultivation rendered even more serious penalties. But in late 2018, Michigan inducted the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act (MRTMA) after their ballot to legalize recreational and medical marijuana was approved by voters.

So Michigan state law now permits the consumption and possession of recreational and medical marijuana. But keep in mind that even though it is legal under state law, it is still illegal under Federal law throughout the entire country by way of the Controlled Substance Act. For Michigan residents, this means that, at any time, the state laws regarding marijuana can be overturned by Federal legislation.

Indiana Residents

Here in Indiana, marijuana is illegal across the board. And there is no talk of legalizing it anytime soon. So if you decide to visit Michigan and purchase marijuana, you CANNOT bring it back across Indiana borders. If you do, and you are caught by law enforcement, you will be prosecuted according to Indiana’s drug schedule. Read our blog, “An Introduction to Indiana Drug Schedules” to learn what this could mean in terms of penalties and repercussions.

Charged With a Marijuana Crime?

David E. Lewis Attorney at Law
David E. Lewis Attorney at Law 317-636-7514

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss the best course of action for your marijuana drug charges with a seasoned Indianapolis criminal defense attorney you can trust. We work around the clock to ensure your rights are protected and your freedoms are preserved. You can avoid the maximum penalties for your charges with our aggressive legal representation!