McCoy Law Firm | Drug Charges

Drug Charges

Many lawmakers believe that drugs are the root of crime and violence. As such, the United States Government and the State of Oklahoma have very stern drug laws and penalties. In 1970, the federal government passed the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act which places all substances that are regulated by federal law into one of five schedules based upon the substance’s medicinal value, harmfulness, and potential for abuse or addiction. Schedules I and II narcotics are the most harmful and addictive, thus subject to severe legal consequences.

The following is a list of the most common illegal narcotics:

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Cocaine

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Heroin

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Methamphetamine

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Marihuana

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LSD

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PCP

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Steroids

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Ecstasy

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Unauthorized prescription drugs

The severity of the drug charge depends on many factors such as the type of narcotic seized, the quantity of the drug, and the defendant’s criminal record (previous drug convictions). Common drug crimes include, but are not limited to:

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Possession

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Possession with Intent to Manufacture or Distribute or Dispense

Trafficking

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Manufacturing/Distributing/Cultivation/Dispensing

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Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

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Maintaining a Place Where Controlled Substances are Kept

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Public Intoxication

Penalties for Drug Crimes

Penalties for drug offenses can be devastating. Punishment includes imprisonment, probation, or fines. If convicted of two or more drug offenses, the defendant becomes ineligible for probation and may be prosecuted as a habitual offender. Furthermore, the Drug Dealer Liability Act subjects those who knowingly participate in the illegal drug market within the State of Oklahoma to civil liability.