Key Elements of Drug Trafficking Offenses in Indiana

Indiana has a number of laws that prohibit the manufacture, financing, distribution, and sale of a wide range of illegal drugs. While most of these laws do not use the term “trafficking,” they are designed to prohibit and penalize just that.

There are a number of different factors that will affect how serious a trafficking charge is in terms of what level of crime it is in Indiana, and of course, the penalties that can be applied if a defendant is convicted. These include:

• The type of illegal drug that was made, financed, delivered, or sold
• How much of that illegal drug was involved
• Where the illegal drug was sold
• The age of the person who purchased or received the illegal drug

Cocaine as an Example

As an example, Indiana law makes it illegal to manufacture, deliver, or finance the manufacture or delivery of cocaine or a narcotic drug. It is also illegal to possess cocaine or narcotics with the intent to manufacture or deliver them, or to finance the manufacture or delivery of those same drugs.

The penalties for violating this law vary significantly depending on how much of the illegal drug is involved and what type of drug it is. It can range anywhere from a Level 4 felony (2 to 12 years in prison) up to a Level 2 felony (10 to 30 years in prison).

Penalties Can be Enhanced

There are a number of ways that a drug trafficking penalty can be even more severe than what the base level statute provides. These are called “Enhancing Circumstances,” and include situations where:

• The defendant has a prior conviction for dealing certain types of drugs
• The defendant had a firearm while committing the underlying crime
• The offense was committed on a school bus or within a certain distance of school property when children were likely to be present
• The purchaser was under 18, or the sale was made in the presence of someone under the age of 18
• The sale was made in a prison or juvenile detention facility
• The sale was made within 100 feet of a drug treatment facility

Razumich & Associates Can Defend You Against Drug Trafficking Charges

If you are facing allegations of drug trafficking, you need a strong defense. A conviction can result in you spending years, if not a decade or more, in prison. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Razumich & Associates are here to defend you and to protect your rights in these serious cases. We know the laws, rules, and procedures that apply in drug trafficking prosecutions, and we are here to make sure that the government and the courts respect all of your rights – and to provide you with the best defense possible.

Call Razumich & Associates today at 317-983-5333 or submit our contact form so we can schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Tell us about the charges you are facing, and let us tell you how we are ready to fight to defend you and protect your rights.