Possession of a controlled substance is one of the most common crimes charged in El Reno. In many cases, drug possession is a felony charge, meaning the suspect faces the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. Even in less serious misdemeanor drug cases, there is still a possibility of jail time and the taint of a criminal conviction on a person's record.
But a drug charge does not have to be the end of the world. Our experienced El Reno drug lawyers can help you get through this difficult time. Fassio Law is an Oklahoma criminal defense firm that will work with you to assert and defend your rights in court. We believe that being charged with a crime doesn't make you a criminal.
Like the federal government, the State of Oklahoma classifies certain "controlled substances" on five distinct lists or "schedules." Schedule I drugs are those considered to be the most dangerous to human life without any significant medical use, such as cocaine or LSD. At the lower end of the scale are Schedule V drugs that include a number of common medications such as cough suppressants.
In terms of criminal penalties, however, Oklahoma sometimes punishes drug possession the same without regard to where a given controlled substance falls on these schedules. (Marijuana and others are exceptions.) What matters more is the quantity of drugs involved and whether a person has a prior drug conviction. Here is a basic rundown of the potential sanctions a person can face in El Reno:
Additionally, you can be charged with the more serious crimes of felony drug possession with intent to distribute, or trafficking, regardless of your prior criminal record, if you possess a large enough quantity of drugs, as defined by statute. Some common examples include:
Depending on your situation, there may be a number of ways to address your Oklahoma drug charge. You may have grounds for challenging the legality of your arrest or a police officer's search of your property. There are several possible defenses, such as if you lacked the requisite knowledge or possession of the drugs in question.
Even if the case against you appears solid, you may still be entitled to seek probation or entry into a drug diversion program instead of going to jail. The key thing to remember is that the situation is never hopeless, and the best way you can help yourself is to speak with an experienced El Reno drug lawyer as soon as possible. Call Fassio Law at (405) 593-8444 today to schedule a free case assessment with a member of our staff.
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