Anyone who says that a drug arrest is not that serious has not looked at the criminal penalties that Arkansas residents can face if they are convicted of controlled substance-based offenses. Different classes and schedules of controlled substances have differing levels of punishment, but for most drug-based convictions, individuals will face significant time in jail for their alleged crimes.
For example, a person who is convicted of a narcotics or methamphetamine charge at a small quantity of the substance can be sentenced to 10 to 40 years in prison. They may also be fined in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Having a prior drug conviction on one’s record can enhance the penalties that a person may face if they are convicted of a subsequent drug charge. The penalties for a relatively minor drug charge may be enhanced due to a person’s prior drug record or if the person is found to possess the substance in a jail or detention facility.
Controlled substances come in many forms, including commonly known drugs, such as cocaine, heroin and marijuana. They also include some medications that individuals may be prescribed by their doctors, such as codeine, morphine and certain stimulants. Those who have such medications in their possession should take care regarding where they are stored and how they are used since they can form the bases of drug crime arrests.
The penalties for drug crimes in Arkansas are serious and can cause irreparable changes to individuals’ lives. Getting help from a criminal defense attorney early on in one’s drug defense planning can make an important difference in protecting their rights and pursuits of freedom.
