Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed March 22, 2018
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As "The Crossroads of America," Indiana has been a hub of commerce, transportation, and shipping traffic, not all of it legal. Cocaine, in both powdered form and as crack, is the Hoosier State’s primary drug threat today and one of the state's most heavily trafficked illegal drugs. Primarily due to the increased violence surrounding cocaine trafficking, distribution, and use, Indiana authorities crack down heavily on both sale and possession of cocaine. Here is a brief summary of cocaine laws in Indiana.
Cocaine possession, sale, or trafficking is a felony crime in nearly every state. Possession of a small amount of the drug can lead to three years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine in Indiana. Like cocaine laws in other states, Indiana’s statutes increase in severity and punishment with multiple offenses.
The charges and penalties under Indiana' cocaine laws are listed below. Remember, if you or someone you know has been struggling with drug addiction or a substance abuse problem, Indiana's Family & Social Services Administration has online, phone, and in-person resources that can help.
Code Section |
|
Possession |
Possession of any amount: at least Class D felony Under 3 g. but within 1000 feet of school property: Class B felony; Over 3 g.: Class C felony; Possession of 3 g. or more within 1000 feet of school property: Class A felony |
Sale |
Class B felony unless amount is over 3 grams or delivery to minor 3 yrs. younger or delivery on/in school property or within 1000 feet of property or on school bus, then Class A felony |
Trafficking |
- |
Cocaine is regulated by Indiana, and at the federal level as well. Federal drug laws prohibit simple cocaine possession along with manufacturing and cultivation and trafficking and distribution. As seen above, penalties for cocaine possession or sale can be severe and generally vary depending on whether you have prior drug convictions and the quantity of drugs involved. In some cases, prosecutors can offer a plea bargain to a lower-level offender in exchange for helping to build a case against higher-level producers and dealers. And some jurisdictions have recently created specialized “drug courts” that allow first or second-time drug crime defendants to spend time in treatment in lieu of a jail sentence. For additional resources and introductory information on this topic, you can visit FindLaw's Drug Charges section.
Our societal norms regarding drugs, and the state laws that reflect them, are changing every day. If you'd like to learn more about Indiana cocaine laws, or have been charged with a crime related to drugs, you should contact a local drug crime lawyer today.
Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.
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