When most people think about big drug busts and cocaine rings, they don’t often think of Iowa. However, cocaine is just as much of a problem in Iowa as it is anywhere else. Iowa authorities take drug trafficking very seriously and crack down heavily on both cocaine possession and the sale of controlled dangerous substances.
Whether you live in Des Moines or Polk City, facing cocaine charges can be scary. The criminal penalties for possession of powder cocaine, crack cocaine, or any other illegal drug are severe. Iowa law has mandatory minimum sentences for certain drug offenses. Even if you’re not facing a mandatory minimum, you’ll still face a prison sentence and hefty fines.
Here, we’ll explain Iowa’s laws regarding the possession of a controlled substance, with a focus on cocaine. We’ll discuss the penalties and defenses to these drug crimes. If you’re facing drug charges, it’s a good idea to contact a skilled Iowa criminal defense attorney. They can explain what to expect in your criminal case and help devise a solid defense strategy.
Iowa Prohibits the Possession and Sale of All Controlled Substances
Cocaine is one of the more popular illegal drugs in this country. In addition to opiates, cocaine is one of the most addictive drugs on the black market. Lawmakers know this, and that’s why they have implemented strict laws regarding the possession of illicit drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Some of the more common illegal drugs law enforcement agencies encounter in Iowa include:
- Cocaine (cocaine base, coca leaves, powder cocaine, crack cocaine)
- Opioids (heroin, fentanyl, prescription painkillers)
- LSD
- Amphetamines/methamphetamine
- Adderall
- PCP
- Illicit prescription drugs
If the police catch you with either any of these drugs or the chemicals to manufacture the synthetic versions, they’ll arrest you. Criminal charges with harsh penalties await you in Iowa.
State Cocaine Laws
The federal government classifies cocaine as a Schedule I narcotic. While state cocaine laws vary in terms of penalties, all states and the federal government criminalize cocaine possession, sale, and drug trafficking.
Selling cocaine in Iowa could land you in prison for up to 50 years. You may also have to pay a fine of as much as $1,000,000. These penalties are a response to the increase in drug-related violence that accompanies the manufacture, trafficking, and use of cocaine.
Cocaine Statutes in Iowa
Cocaine laws and penalties vary from one jurisdiction to another. The chart below lists the details of Iowa's cocaine statutes.
Iowa Cocaine Law Code Sections
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Code of Iowa
Chapter 124 - Controlled Substances
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Iowa Cocaine Possession Offenses and Penalties
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Under Iowa Code §124.401(5), it is illegal to possess cocaine or any of the components necessary to manufacture cocaine. For the state to convict you of your drug possession charge, they must prove the following:
- You had control or dominion of the controlled substance
- You were aware of the drug’s presence
- You knew the drug was a controlled substance
Iowa law allows the state to convict you for both actual and constructive possession. Constructive possession means that while you didn’t have physical possession of the drug, you had control over the drug and its use.
The penalty for a first-offense possession charge is a serious misdemeanor. A second conviction for this offense will be an aggravated misdemeanor. If you have at least two prior convictions, the state will charge you with a Class D felony.
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Iowa Cocaine Sale and Trafficking Offenses and Penalties
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Iowa Code Section 124.401(5)
- 500 grams or less (Class C felony): - Up to ten years in prison and a fine between $1,000 to $50,000
- Between 500 grams and 5 kilograms (Class B felony): Up to 25 years in prison and fines anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000
- Over 5 kilograms (Class B felony): Up to 50 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000
There are triple penalties for subsequent offenses.
The penalties are more severe for crimes involving distribution to minors or people three years younger than the defendant. An adult who distributes to a minor is guilty of a Class B felony. This offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years. If the defendant is guilty of distribution to minors within 1,000 ft. of a school, recreational area, or school bus, the minimum sentence is ten years.
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Note: Iowa Code Section 124.414 also makes it illegal to sell drug paraphernalia. If the police catch you with drug paraphernalia and it is not for your personal use, they will charge you with a simple misdemeanor.
Alternate Punishment
Like many states, Iowa has drug courts available for some first- and second-time offenders. Drug court provides defendants with the opportunity to attend drug treatment programs instead of significant jail time.
A Criminal Defense Lawyer in Iowa Can Help
You should contact a criminal defense lawyer if you’re facing drug charges in Iowa. Not only will your attorney know the law, but they’ll also be familiar with the legal process. They’ll build a solid defense and try to achieve an acquittal. If this isn’t possible, they’ll try to negotiate a favorable plea deal with the prosecutor.
Iowa Cocaine Laws - Related Resources
Drug laws reflect local attitudes toward drugs and are, therefore, subject to change. You can find additional articles and resources in FindLaw's section on Drug Charges. Talking to an Iowa drug crime attorney for legal advice regarding a drug issue is also a good idea.
If you or someone you know might have a drug or substance abuse problem, Iowa's Department of Public Health has resources that might be able to help.