What are the potential punishments for cocaine-related crimes? Are there alternatives to imprisonment? What defense strategies are available to fight such cases?
Potential penalties
There are various penalties for cocaine-related drug crimes. It all comes down to the details. Offense examples and potential penalties include:
- Simple possession: Depending on the amount of the drug in one’s possession, punishments range from community service to life in prison and up to $1 million in fines.
- The sale of cocaine: If you are not dependent on the drug, you may face life in prison and have to pay a hefty fine. If you are drug-dependent, there is a potential prison term of up to 30 years and also a fine. It all really depends on drug dependency, the amount of the drug found in your possession, where the drugs are sold and to whom.
At the end of the day, drug quantity and intent matter when it comes to both filing charges and handing down penalties.
Are there alternatives to imprisonment?
Possibly. Rhode Island offers drug court as an alternative for certain non-violent offenders. It keeps people out of jail and gets them the help that they really need to overcome their addiction.
Unlike many other states, Rhode Island does offer lighter sentencing for drug dealers who are struggling with their own addiction. Your legal counsel can provide more information about this topic.
Criminal defense
Fighting cocaine-related drug charges is not an easy task. However, there are various defense strategies that may help you achieve the best outcome for your situation. Your criminal defense attorney can help you fight your cocaine case by reviewing and questioning evidence, providing alternative theories for your alleged involvement, seeking a case dismissal based on any factual errors or seeking to minimize the potential consequences of a conviction by requesting alternative sentencing.