Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed January 19, 2021
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.
The trafficking, sale, and possession of heroin is illegal under federal law and all state laws. The federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) enforces drug prohibition under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, typically in cases involving production, trafficking, and organized crime. State drug laws vary quite a bit in whether offenders receive stiff prison sentences or a second chance through treatment and probation.
Under Oregon law, delivery (sale) of heroin is charged as a Class A felony, which carries a maximum potential 20-year prison sentence and fine of up to $375,000. Non-violent offenders may be eligible for drug court, an alternative to incarceration (more details below).
The following table lists additional details of Oregon's drug laws pertaining to heroin and other opiates. See FindLaw's Drug Charges section for more articles.
| Code section |
|
| Code Section | Chapter 475 |
| Possession | Class B felony for any amount; up to 10 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines |
| Sale | 3-5 g.: Commercial drug offense if greater than $300 cash, firearm, packaging materials, customer list, stolen property, or using public lands; Over 5 g.: Category 6 crime |
| Trafficking | Class A felony; maximum 20 years in prison and maximum fine of $375,000 |
| Drug Abatement Program Available? | Yes: Oregon Drug Court |
Note: State laws are never set in stone and may change through a variety of means, including voter-approved ballot initiatives and the passage of new legislation. You may want to contact an Oregon drug crimes attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Drug courts offer non-violent drug offenders the option of entering drug rehabilitation and submitting to regular drug testing instead of prison time. In exchange, the offender enters a guilty plea and serves a probationary period. See the drug court section of your local county court Website (Douglas County Circuit Court Drug Court, for instance) to learn more about eligibility requirements and other details.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many Oregon attorneys offer free consultations for Drug Crime.