Skilled Criminal Defense
When Your Future Is On The Line

What are the potential charges for dealing narcotics in Indiana?

On Behalf of | Apr 3, 2023 | Drug Crimes

There are many drugs that people in Indiana use that are deemed illegal to use or possess. These drugs are put into different Schedules, depending on how dangerous the drug may be for people using it. The most dangerous drugs are in Schedules I and II and are considered narcotic drugs. Drugs in these Schedules include drugs such as heroin, cocaine and fentanyl.

As these drugs are illegal to use, people who obtain them need to buy them from dealers. While the punishments for possessing drugs are serious, the potential penalties for dealing drugs can be even more serious. The potential penalties depend on a couple of factors; the most important factor is how much people possess when they are searched by the police.

Potential charges for selling narcotics

Under Indiana law, the potential charges are:

  • If people sell fewer than one gram, they could be charged with a Level 5 felony.
  • If people sell between one gram and five grams or between three grams and seven grams of heroin, they could be charged with a Level 4 felony.
  • If they sell between five grams and 10 grams or seven and 12 grams of heroin, it would be a Level 3 felony.
  • If they sell over 10 grams of narcotics or 12 grams of heroin, it is a Level 2 felony.
  • People can also be charged with intent to sell if they possess at least 28 grams or if it is fewer than 28 grams and other evidence is present that they are selling the drugs.

There are many people in Indiana who are charged with drug offenses. They could be charged with possession, selling or intent to sell. The most serious offenses are those that involve selling or intent to sell, but there is also more the prosecutors need to prove in order to obtain convictions for these offenses. There may be defenses available to people as they go through the criminal justice system. Experienced attorneys understand the potential defenses and may be able to help protect one’s rights.