Arkansas Cocaine Laws

According to a national survey on health and drug use, around 34,000 Arkansas residents used cocaine between 2019 and 2020. Many view it as a party drug. But law enforcement authorities take cocaine possession and distribution seriously. A conviction for possession of even a small amount of cocaine can have serious consequences.

This article explores the drug classification of cocaine and the penalties associated with cocaine possession and trafficking in the state of Arkansas.

Schedule of Controlled Substances

Under Arkansas laws, there are six drug schedules, and cocaine falls under Schedule II. The risk for drug abuse posed by each of these drugs determines what schedule these drugs fall into regardless of their accepted medical use.

• Schedule I: Stimulants such as mephedrone, methylone, MDPV, etc.
• Schedule II: Opiates like fentanyl, oxycodone, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
• Schedule III: Didrex (Benzphetamine), Glutethimide, Ketamine, and Anabolic steroids
• Schedule IV: Diazepam (Valium), Lorazepam (Ativan), Xanax, and Tramadol
• Schedule V: Medications containing Ephedrine, Pseudoephedrine, Phenylpropanolamine, small quantities of codeine, and other narcotics.
• Schedule VI: Marijuana, Tetrahydrocannabinol, Salvia divinorum, and Synthetic cannabinoids.

What Are the Penalties for Possession of Cocaine in Arkansas?

The state categorizes drug offenses in Arkansas based on the kind and the amount of controlled substance involved. For instance, if a person has cocaine of less than 2 grams, the laws consider it a Class D felony with up to six years of imprisonment and fines. But possession of the same amount of cocaine with intent to sell escalates the crime to a Class C felony with three to 10 years of imprisonment and fines.

The Arkansas Uniform Controlled Substances Act (Section 5-64-419) gives a detailed list of penalties for possession of cocaine in Arkansas:

Arkansas Code Section 5-64-420 states the penalties for possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver:

Enhanced Penalties

The state laws give enhanced penalties for drug possession of cocaine in detention facilities. The penalty increases to the following higher classification if the person involved is an inmate in a detention facility.

The sentence also enhances to two times the maximum term of imprisonment and fine if a person delivered or sold cocaine to a person under 18 and the person providing or trafficking it is at least three years older than the minor.

Suppose the person delivers the controlled substance to a minor, but the three-year age gap does not apply. In that case, the person can still be convicted of giving to a minor and get an extra 10 years imprisonment on top of their felony charges.

What Are the Penalties for the Sale of Cocaine in Arkansas?

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.

Seek Legal Advice from a Drug Crime Attorney

Facing drug charges for possession, sale, or trafficking of cocaine in Arkansas could lead to long-term imprisonment and fines. It is helpful to navigate this complex legal landscape with the guidance of a drug crimes attorney. A criminal defense attorney can help you understand the details of your case and protect your rights. They can also represent you in court if the need arises.