Facing a drug charge in Jonesboro, Arkansas, can have serious consequences. Arkansas prosecutors take drug crimes seriously. Convictions for possession, delivery, manufacturing, and possession with the intent to deliver drugs can result in jail time and significant fines. In Arkansas, a controlled substance is an illegal drug that can cause harm to a user’s health or welfare. Drugs purchased from a pharmacy are also considered controlled substances when the user doesn’t have a valid prescription written by a qualified medical practitioner.
Drug Crimes Defense Attorneys in Jonesboro
At Law Offices of Bryce Cook, founding attorney Bryce Cook has over a decade of experience helping clients charged with drug crimes. Cook was born and raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and has practiced law in the Jonesboro area throughout his career. Attorney Bryce Cook is familiar with all aspects of the criminal process in Arkansas. After thoroughly reviewing the facts surrounding your case, he will choose the best line of defense. If you’re facing a drug charge in the Jonesboro area, we can help. Contact our office today to schedule your initial consultation.
Well-Known Controlled Substances in Arkansas
Under Arkansas criminal law, a controlled substance includes any drug or substance, as well as immediate precursors to a drug. For example, some ingredients that are required to make methamphetamine are controlled substances under Arkansas law. Prescription medications are not controlled substances when the drug possessor has a valid prescription for that particular type and amount of drugs. Some of the more well-known controlled substances include the following:
- Ecstasy
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Percocet
- Marijuana
- OxyContin
- Methamphetamine
Categories of Controlled Substances in Arkansas
Arkansas criminal law categorizes controlled substances into six different categories or schedules. The more addictive and harmful the drug, the more severe the penalties for receiving a conviction for the use, possession, or distribution of the drug.
Schedule I Arkansas Drug Crimes
Schedule I drugs have the highest likelihood of abuse and dependence. Schedule I drugs include the following:
- Opiates
- Opium derivatives, such as heroin or morphine
- Hallucinogenic drugs such as Ecstasy
- Depressants like GHB
- Certain stimulants
Schedule II Arkansas Drug Crimes
Many schedule II drugs have valid medical use by also come with a high likelihood of psychological and physical dependency. Schedule II drugs include methamphetamine, barbiturates, and narcotics like cocaine.
Schedule III Arkansas Drug Crimes
Schedule III drugs often have a valid medical use. However, these drugs can lead to moderate physical dependence and some amount of psychological dependence. Schedule III drugs include anabolic steroids and pentobarbital.
Schedule IV, V, and VI Arkansas Drug Crimes
Schedule IV drugs include diazepam and tramadol and might lead to limited physical and psychological dependence. Schedule V drugs are the least dangerous of all controlled substances. Schedule V drugs are typically over-the-counter or prescription drugs that have a small amount of a narcotic ingredient as well as an active ingredient that is non-narcotic. Cough medicines with a limited amount of a narcotic ingredient often fall into this category.
Finally, Schedule VI drugs do not fit into Schedules I-V. These drugs have no accepted medical use and are considered unsafe. They also carry a risk of psychological or physical dependence. Marijuana and marijuana-related products are Schedule VI controlled substances.
Controlled Substances Classifications in Arkansas
Arkansas classifies drug crimes as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanor convictions result in lower fines and less jail time than felonies. Typically, misdemeanor convictions result in a jail sentence of one year or less. Arkansas criminal law classifies controlled substance crimes into felonies or misdemeanors. Drug crime felonies fall into the following six classes: “unclassified,” Y, A, B, C, and D. Class Y drug crimes are the most serious. Misdemeanor drug crimes fall under classes A, B, and C. Distribution of certain controlled substances is a Class A misdemeanor.
Cocaine and Methamphetamine Drug Crimes in Arkansas
To better understand Arkansas’ controlled substance classifications, we can examine a common drug crime. The punishment for possession with the intent to deliver or actual delivery of cocaine or methamphetamine depends on the amount of substance involved, as follows:
- Possession of fewer than two grams of cocaine or methamphetamine is a Class D felony
- Possession of two or more grams but fewer than ten grams is a Class C felony
- Possession of ten or more grams but fewer than 200 grams is a Class B felony
- Delivery of ten or more grams but less than 200 grams is a class Y felony
Possession and Delivery of Marijuana in Arkansas
Marijuana is a Schedule VI controlled substance in Arkansas. Possession of 4 oz or less of marijuana is a Class A misdemeanor. Most people who use marijuana recreationally possess 4 oz or less. Thus, the potential penalties for a Class A misdemeanor are up to one year of incarceration and up to a $2,500 fine. Possession of between 100 and 500 pounds of marijuana is a Class A felony, punishable by six to 30 years in jail and a fine of up to $15,000.
Drug Crime Penalties in Arkansas
Penalties for drug crimes depend on the schedule of the drug and the class of crime. Class Y felonies are the most severe drug crimes that warrant the harshest penalties upon conviction, including imprisonment of between 20 and 40 years, or life imprisonment and fines up to $100,000.
We Can Help
The drug crime classification system can be confusing. At the Law Offices of Bryce Cook, we can help you understand Arkansas’ criminal law system and your criminal charges. Our experienced drug crimes attorneys will vigorously represent you throughout the entire process. Contact our Jonesboro, Arkansas, criminal defense attorneys today to schedule your initial consultation.