Kansas Heroin Laws
By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed June 04, 2025
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Drug abuse has remained one of the nation's top problems. Regardless of where you live in the U.S., chances are that your community is experiencing an opioid epidemic. The use of drugs like heroin and fentanyl is not only common, but it’s increasing with each passing year. This is why lawmakers and law enforcement in the State of Kansas are cracking down on heroin dealers and other drug traffickers.
This article examines Kansas’s heroin laws. It also offers a deeper look at the penalties for these drug crimes.
The Strict Stance on Heroin Laws in Kansas
There have been drug laws on the books since before drugs like heroin and methamphetamine became popular. Police are cracking down on people who use and distribute heroin more than ever before. This is because of the widespread effect the opioid epidemic has had on this country.
It’s not just opiates like heroin that are causing these problems. It’s other drugs as well. The money hospitals spend to treat people suffering from drug overdoses is staggering, as is the increase in crime committed by drug abusers.
Some of the more problematic drugs on the streets today include:
- Methamphetamine
- Cocaine/Crack
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
- LSD
- Depressants
- Anabolic steroids
When a district attorney receives notification of new drug charges, they don’t necessarily want to put the offenders in jail. Lawmakers have implemented alternatives to help drug crime offenders get the treatment they need rather than spend months or years in prison.
Kansas Drug Court Programs
Like most other jurisdictions today, Kansas has drug courts that offer alternatives to jail or prison. There are 13 drug court programs statewide. For example, if you live in Overland Park or Olathe, Kansas, you may be eligible for drug court through the Johnson County courts. The same is true for people who live in Topeka, Kansas, in Shawnee County.
Whether drug court is an option in your criminal case depends on several factors, including whether you have prior convictions for drug offenses. If this is your first offense for possession of a controlled substance, there’s a good chance your drug crime attorney can negotiate drug court as opposed to a prison sentence.
Heroin Laws in Kansas: Summary
If you’re facing charges for possession of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia, you should familiarize yourself with Kansas law. The following table outlines the heroin laws in Kansas.
Kansas Heroin Code Sections |
Kansas Statutes Annotated (KSA) |
|---|---|
What Is Prohibited? |
The possession or sale of any amount of heroin is illegal in Kansas. |
Possession of Heroin Penalties in Kansas |
Possession of heroin is a Level 4 drug felony. The Kansas Drug Offense Sentencing Grid outlines the penalties for this and other drug-related crimes. The penalty ranges for Level 4 drug offenses are as follows:
|
Heroin Sale, Distribution, and Trafficking Penalties in Kansas |
Kansas determines the severity level of the felony charge for selling heroin based on the amount of heroin the offender has at the time of their arrest. The level of felony is as follows:
The penalties range from 14 months in jail for a Level 4 felony to up to 17 years imprisonment for a Level 1 felony. The judge may also issue fines of up to $500,000. The charges and penalties increase if the drug offense occurs within 1,000 feet of school property. The court will presume that you had the intent to distribute if law enforcement catches you with at least 3.5 grams in your possession. |
Disclaimer: State laws change frequently. It’s essential to contact an experienced attorney or conduct legal research to verify the drug crime laws in your state.
Related Resources
- Drug Possession Overview
- Drug Possession Defenses
- Drug Dealing and Drug Sales Charges
- Kansas Law
- Official State Codes
Facing Heroin Charges in Kansas? A Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
If you’re facing drug charges, you’re probably worried and wondering what will happen next. It’s a good idea to meet with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Kansas as soon as possible after your arrest. They'll examine your case, give you legal advice about your options, and stand with you during your legal journey.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex drug crimes usually require a lawyer
- Experienced drug crime lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
- Drug crime laws involve many specifics that can quickly change a case
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many Kansas attorneys offer free consultations for Drug Crime.
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