Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug with a high potential for abuse that is illegal under federal and all state laws. Possession of the drug usually carries a stiffer penalty for marijuana or other recreational drugs, Even the possession of a tiny amount of cocaine is punishable by prison time in many states, but more and more states have adopted a "harm reduction" approach that employs drug treatment instead of prison.
Simple possession of cocaine in North Dakota -- any amount -- may be charged as a Class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison (up to 10 years if within a school zone). The state has mandatory minimum sentences for some offenses, including a three-year minimum for a second conviction for selling the drug. However, many of those charged with possession may avoid jail by pleading guilty and completing a drug treatment program.
Additional details of North Dakota's cocaine laws are listed in the table below. See FindLaw's Drug Charges section to learn more.
| Code Section | 19-03.1-01, et seq. |
| Possession | Any amount: Class C felony (up to 5 yrs. and/or $5,000); Within 1000 ft. of school: Class B felony (up to 10 yrs. and/or $10,000) |
| Manufacture, Sale, or Intent to Sell | Class B felony: up to 10 yrs. and/or up to $10,000.; 2nd offense: at least 3 yrs. and up to 10 yrs.; 3rd and subsequent offenses: mandatory 10 yrs.; If over 500 g. of cocaine or over 5 g. of crack: Class A felony; Sale within 1000 ft. of school or to a minor: at least 4 yrs.; Selling to a minor by an 18 year old; Subsequent offense: 8 yrs |
| Trafficking | - |
| Is Drug Court an Option? | Yes (see North Dakota's Parole and Probation Services page for more details) |
Note: State laws, particularly drug laws, may change at any time through the enactment of newly signed legislation or other means. You should contact a North Dakota drug crime attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Was this helpful?
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many North Dakota attorneys offer free consultations for Drug Crime.