Idaho Cocaine Laws

Drug trafficking and drug dealers may not be the first thing to come to mind when mentioning the State of Idaho. They are a very real problem, though. Idaho authorities take a very serious approach to cocaine crimes and drug trafficking. State law makes both possession and the sale of cocaine felonies.

Cocaine isn’t the only controlled substance law enforcement deals with. The police in Boise and other parts of Idaho enforce the laws for illegal drugs as well, including:

• Methamphetamine
• Cannabis/Marijuana
• Amphetamines
• LSD
• Opiates

Misuse of prescription drugs such as Adderall and Xanax is on their radar as well. While not as serious as cocaine-related offenses, they're still crimes.

Here, we’ll discuss Idaho’s drug possession laws, as well as regulations regarding the manufacture and distribution of cocaine. If you’re facing charges for possession of a controlled substance, drug trafficking, or any other violation of a drug law, you should be familiar with the penalties that will result from a conviction.

Federal Cocaine Classification

The federal Controlled Substance Act (CSA) classifies drugs into five schedules. Not all of these drugs are illegal. Many of them are medications people obtain using a legitimate prescription. Federal and state laws view certain drugs as more dangerous than others. Cocaine is one of these drugs.

Below are the schedules of controlled substances:

• Schedule I: This class includes drugs with a high potential for abuse and dependence. There are no accepted medical uses for them. Examples of Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD, and ecstasy.
• Schedule II: Like Schedule I drugs, these substances have a high potential for dependence and abuse. These drugs have some accepted medical uses. Examples of Schedule II drugs include cocaine, oxycodone, and methamphetamine.
• Schedule III: These controlled substances have a moderate potential for abuse and addiction. Examples of Schedule III drugs include codeine and anabolic steroids.
• Schedule IV: These drugs pose little to no risk of abuse or addiction. In most cases, people who use these drugs have valid prescriptions from a doctor. Examples of Schedule IV medications include Xanax, Valium, and Ativan.
• Schedule V: These substances are not considered dangerous. They’re drugs often prescribed by doctors. These include such medications as Lyrica and Robitussin.

Most law enforcement agencies focus on Schedule I and II drugs. Even when someone has these substances for personal use, they can lead to drug addiction, health issues, and an increased crime rate.

State Cocaine Laws

While there are federal laws regarding the possession and sale of cocaine, state cocaine laws vary in terms of penalties. A conviction for simple cocaine possession could result in a prison term of 14 years, depending on the amount of drugs the offender has on them and whether they have prior drug convictions. For some people, selling cocaine could result in life imprisonment.

Lawmakers in Idaho have implemented mandatory minimum sentences for some drug offenses. The goal is to deter would-be offenders from engaging in drug trafficking.

Cocaine Statutes in Idaho

The chart below highlights cocaine statutes under Idaho law.

Cocaine is a Schedule I narcotic. The federal government prohibits everything from simple cocaine possession to manufacturing, cultivation, trafficking, and distribution. Federal drug crime penalties are more severe if you possess or traffic cocaine across state lines.

Some states, including Idaho, offer first- and second-time offenders the option of drug court rather than prison time. These courts allow some defendants to enroll in drug treatment programs rather than face lengthy jail sentences. The Judicial Branch’s Problem-Solving Courts oversee Idaho's Drug Courts.

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Meeting with an Idaho criminal defense attorney can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Your drug crime lawyer will review your case and give you an idea of what to expect. They’ll work hard to poke holes in the state’s case and achieve an acquittal. If necessary, your lawyer will negotiate a favorable plea bargain with the prosecutor.

Related Resources for Idaho Cocaine Laws

• Drug Charges
• Types of drug crimes
• Idaho Department of Health and Welfare