{"id":377292,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/wisconsin-law\/wisconsin-cocaine-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-12-19T15:33:01","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T20:33:01","slug":"wisconsin-cocaine-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/wisconsin-law\/wisconsin-cocaine-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Wisconsin Cocaine Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Wisconsin Cocaine Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Wisconsin drug laws mirror other states’ laws and follow the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The CSA is a federal law that categorizes or "schedules" drugs according to what they do, how addictive they are, and whether they have any known medical use.<\/p>\r\n

Like most states, Wisconsin has its own sentencing guidelines for possession of cocaine. Cocaine may be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the arrest.<\/p>\r\n

Cocaine Charges in Wisconsin<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Cocaine is a Schedule II controlled substance<\/a> in Wisconsin. "Crack" cocaine differs from "powder" cocaine only in the way it is prepared and used. The Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 eliminated the 100:1 sentencing disparity that existed for many years between the two types of drugs.<\/p>\r\n

Despite its high potential for abuse, cocaine has many recognized medical uses. Cocaine and coca derivatives<\/a> are still used as topical anesthetics for eye and ear surgery. However, cocaine possession for recreational use is illegal in every state<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Cocaine Possession<\/h3>\r\n

Drug possession may not be an automatic felony charge. Wisconsin law allows a first-time defendant to ask for a conditional discharge. If the amount of cocaine was less than one gram and this is your first offense, the judge can suspend sentencing<\/a>. However, you’ll have to complete probation and other requirements, such as therapy or rehab. Then, the possession charges are dismissed.<\/p>\r\n

For subsequent offenses and possession with intent to distribute<\/a>, sentences depend on the grams of cocaine in the offender’s possession.<\/p>\r\n

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia<\/h3>\r\n

In addition to simple possession of cocaine, you can also face criminal charges for having related items in your possession. Drug paraphernalia covers anything related to the use, storage, processing, or packaging of a controlled substance.<\/p>\r\n

A few examples include:<\/p>\r\n