The Controlled Substances Act is a federal law that prohibits the sale, distribution and possession of cocaine. Because it is enforced by the Drug Enforcement Agency, it is applicable in all 50 states, including Arkansas. Therefore, individuals who are alleged to be involved in cocaine-based drug crimes may face both state and federal charges for their alleged actions.
Within the state of Arkansas, cocaine-based drug crimes are taken very seriously. Cocaine is grouped with methamphetamines in their own class of drugs for sentencing and punishment. That means that possessing the same amount of cocaine as someone else has another drug could result in a much more significant punishment for the person alleged to have been in possession of cocaine.
Possessing less than 2 grams of cocaine in Arkansas is considered a Class D felony. Possessing more of the drug will result in a higher felony charge and more serious sanctions. Charges involving the sale of cocaine are also significantly penalized and sentencing can be enhanced for individuals who are alleged to have sold the drug near schools, community centers and other locations where children may be present.
The bottom line for readers to take from this information post is that allegations of cocaine-based drug crimes can result in major legal problems for Little Rock residents. They may be punished under federal and state laws, and the punishments that they may receive may be heavier than punishments others get for possessing other classifications of drugs. Getting past a cocaine-based drug crime may be a challenge for an individual on his or her own. Thus, it is important that criminal defendants remember that they have a right to counsel when facing their legal challenges.
