What was once only a harsh and glorified pop-star drug among the rock and roll crowds is now a popular new attraction for teens and adults alike. We are talking about heroin and opioid usage. It can start out innocently as a prescription to pain medication, or a dare to try something new, and then quickly turn into a life-shattering dependency that seems to take priority over everything and everyone else in life.

The complexities of drug addiction and usage are infinite, and unique to every individual, but when it comes to the law, it’s all across the board. Getting busted with heroin comes with some harsh penalties and consequences, as well as, some unexpected obligations. Continue reading to learn about heroin arrests and who you should talk to if you were recently charged with possession in Indiana.

Heroin Arrests

When a person is arrested for possession of heroin, or any opioid-related crime, it is critical to hire a heroin defense lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced criminal lawyer can build a strong defense against heroin charges, without passing judgement or entertaining rehabilitation. They are only there to get their clients’ charges dismissed or reduced, or obtain the best possible outcome to their case. Never be afraid to call a lawyer for help with your own criminal charges out of fear that they will judge you. This is not how they operate.

In Indiana…

All Heroin Arrests are Felony Offenses. Heroin is a Schedule 1 drug. Even possession under a few grams of heroin is a Level 6 felony. That comes with a potential penalty of 6 months to 2 1/2 years in jail, with an average of one year, as well as, fines probation, court orders, limited freedoms, and more.

Serious Heroin Charges for Trafficking and Possession Can Include Life Sentences. If a person is caught with hundreds of grams of heroin, or caught dealing equivalent amounts, they could face consecutive life sentences and spend
the rest of their natural lives in prison.

Heroin Possession Felonies Can Increase With Enhancements. If a person is arrested for one gram of heroin, they are facing a Level 6 felony, the least serious felony. But if that person was arrested near a school or park, the felony can be bumped to a Level 5 felony. There are several scenarios where enhancements apply.

Enhancements Include:

• Drug Manufacturing
• Possession of Firearm
• Children Present
• Near or On School Grounds
• Priors for Dealing
• Drug-Free Zones
• Dealing to Minors (or 3yrs’ one’s junior)
• 500 Feet of Park or School Bus

A Level 5 Felony for Heroin Possession Includes Jail Time. A person arrested with more than 6 grams of heroin faces a Level 5 felony or worse, depending on the total amount. If under 5 grams, a person can still face a Level 5 Felony or lower with enhancements. Without enhancements, standard penalties or heroin convictions look like this:

Possession Under 5 Grams:
Level 6 Felony
Min 6 Months in Jail – Max 2 ½ Years in Jail
Up to $10,000 in Fines
Probation Up to 2 ½ Years

Possession 5-10 Grams:
Level 5 Felony
Min 1 Year in Jail – Max 10 Years in Jail
Up to $10,000 in Fines
Probation Up to 8 Years

Possession 10-18 Grams:
Level 4 Felony
Min 2 Years in Jail – Max 12 Years in Jail
Up to $10,000 in Fines
Probation Up to 8 Years

Dealing Under 1 Gram:
Level 5 Felony
Min 1 Year in Jail – Max 10 Years in Jail
Up to $10,000 in Fines
Probation Up to 8 Years

Dealing 1-5 Grams:
Level 4 Felony
Min 2 Years in Jail – Max 12 Years in Jail

Dealing 5-10 Grams:
Level 3 Felony
Min 3 Years in Jail – Max 16 Years in Jail

Dealing Over 10 Grams:
Level 2 Felony
Min 10 Years in Jail – Max 30 Years in Jail

Additional Penalties for Heroin Convictions Include: community service, victim impact panels, revoked or suspended driving privileges, ignition interlock devices, ankle monitors, drug and alcohol education, addiction rehabilitation, and more.

Indianapolis Heroin Defense Lawyer

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 if you are facing heroin charges in Indianapolis, Indiana. Schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your arrest and charges with a seasoned lawyer you can trust. David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, fights hard to protect his clients’ rights and preserve their freedoms. He works around the clock to obtain the fairest possible outcome for your particular case. Call 317-636-7514 to learn more about heroin criminal defense in Indiana.