District of Columbia Cocaine Laws

Cocaine is one of a handful of controlled substances that plague our communities today. People use cocaine because it gives them a ton of energy and has a euphoric effect. However, cocaine and crack cocaine cause adverse physical effects, such as a dangerous increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

Given the dangerous nature of this controlled substance, it should come as no surprise that there are state and federal laws prohibiting the possession and distribution of cocaine.

As with any other drug-related crime, a conviction for the sale or possession of cocaine, even for personal use, will result in fines and possible jail time. The penalties for these drug crimes are severe. That’s why it’s best to familiarize yourself with D.C. law if you’re facing charges for a drug offense.

This article explains the cocaine laws in Washington, D.C., including the penalties for these criminal offenses. Read on to become well-versed in what you need to know.

Classification of Cocaine as a Schedule II Drug

The Drug Enforcement Agency classifies all drugs based on whether there’s an accepted medical use for the drug and whether there’s a high potential for abuse. There are five separate categories of drugs.

According to the DEA, all drugs, including abusive drugs, fall into one of the following classes:

• Schedule I: According to the DEA, Schedule I drugs have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse and dependency. Examples of Schedule I drugs include heroin, cannabis, and ecstasy. While the Biden administration had sought to reclassify marijuana, it remains a Schedule I drug.
• Schedule II: These drugs are highly abusive and carry a severe potential for dependency. Methamphetamines, amphetamines, narcotic drugs, and Phencyclidine (PCP) are examples of drugs in this class.
• Schedule III: These drugs have a low to moderate potential for abuse. Anabolic steroids and codeine are examples of Schedule III drugs
• Schedule IV: Schedule IV drugs are not as dangerous as Schedule I and II drugs. Depressants are an example of this category of drugs
• Schedule V: These drugs are relatively safe and don’t pose a severe risk of abuse. Medications like Lyrica fall into this category

Drug possession laws target Schedule I and Schedule II drugs. That doesn’t mean law enforcement won’t arrest you for possession of Xanax, especially if you don’t have a prescription for it. They'll also arrest you if they find drug paraphernalia on your person or in your home or vehicle.

District of Columbia and Probation Before Judgment

Under the D.C. Code, first-time offenders have the benefit of something called probation before judgment. Your defense attorney must show that you have no prior convictions for drug offenses.

It is entirely within the judge’s discretion to sentence someone to probation before judgment. To qualify, the offender must have no prior drug-related convictions in any jurisdiction. If the defendant violates any condition of the probation, the court may enter a guilty finding and proceed with sentencing.

Once you complete probation, the court will seal your arrest record and case.

District of Columbia Cocaine Laws at a Glance

The District of Columbia takes drug crimes seriously. If the police find illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia, they’ll arrest you and charge you with a drug-related offense. If they arrest you for possession or distribution of cocaine, you should know what to expect.

The chart below highlights D.C.’s cocaine laws. You can also visit FindLaw's Drug Charges section for more articles and resources.

Note: State drug laws are constantly changing. Contact a D.C. drug crime attorney or conduct further legal research to verify your state laws.

District of Columbia Cocaine Laws: Related Resources

• Drug Possession
• Drug Distribution/Trafficking
• Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing

Facing Cocaine Charges in Washington, D.C.? Speak With an Attorney

A drug conviction can negatively affect your life. If you're facing drug charges in D.C., consider meeting with a criminal defense lawyer. They'll review your case, explain the charges you're facing, and help you plan a defense. Whether they achieve an acquittal or negotiate the best plea bargain possible, their expertise will be a boon.