Indianapolis Drug Crimes Lawyers

Aggressively Fighting Controlled Substance Charges

Drug crimes encompass a wide range of offenses, including dispensing, manufacturing, delivering, and possessing controlled substances. These crimes are taken very seriously under Indiana law. Violations can result in either felony or misdemeanor charges, depending on factors such as the type and quantity of drugs involved, as well as any prior criminal history of the accused. Convictions can lead to significant prison sentences, hefty fines, and long-term consequences such as difficulty finding employment or housing.

Seeking legal representation for drug-related charges is paramount due to the complexity of controlled substance cases. Issues such as proper search and seizure procedures being followed or accurate and valid analysis of the controlled substance can significantly impact the outcome of a case. An experienced Indianapolis drug crimes attorney can leverage their legal knowledge and skills to identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case and craft a strong defense strategy against allegations.

Gemma & Karimi, LLP has 25 years of combined experience representing clients in various cases. The team includes former prosecutors who have insight into the tactics and strategies used by the other side to attempt to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. With their comprehensive understanding of both sides of the legal process, they are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of drug crime cases and advocate vigorously for their clients' rights.

The Indianapolis drug crimes lawyers at the firm are available for a consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Call (317) 676-4747 or submit an online form today.

Laws Concerning Controlled Substance Offenses

Drug crimes encompass a broad spectrum of offenses, each carrying significant legal consequences under Indiana law. The Indiana Code defines several categories of drug crimes, each with distinct elements and potential penalties.

These include the following:

• Possessing controlled substances: Possession involves knowingly having actual or constructive control over a drug without a valid prescription. Indiana statutes outline specific laws regarding possession, covering substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine, controlled substance analogs, and marijuana, as well as possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Drug dealing: Dealing entails knowingly or intentionally manufacturing, financing, or delivering controlled substances. This offense is taken very seriously and can lead to felony charges, resulting in lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines.
• Drug manufacturing: Manufacturing involves producing, preparing, compounding, or processing controlled substances. Commonly manufactured drugs in Indiana include methamphetamine and marijuana, with the production of drug paraphernalia also falling under this category.

Any drug crime allegation is a serious matter that can have far-reaching consequences. Therefore, it's imperative for individuals facing such charges to seek legal representation immediately.

Exploring Potential Defense Strategies Against Drug Crime Charges

If facing controlled substance charges, individuals have several avenues to mount a strong defense.

Below are possible legal defenses for drug crimes:

• Lack of possession: This approach may involve proving that the accused did not have actual or constructive control over the drugs. Strategies for proving lack of possession may include establishing that the drugs belonged to someone else or that the accused was unaware of their presence.
• Unlawful search and seizure: The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement. If evidence was obtained through an illegal search or seizure, it may be possible to have it suppressed or excluded from court proceedings.
• Entrapment: Entrapment occurs when law enforcement induces an individual to commit a crime that they would not have otherwise committed. To establish entrapment, the accused must demonstrate that law enforcement coerced or persuaded them into committing the offense.
• Validity of the substance: The prosecution must prove that the substance seized by law enforcement is a controlled substance. However, procedural errors or flaws in the testing process may result in inaccurate or unreliable results.

Raising any of these defenses requires thoroughly examining the case's circumstances. A drug crimes attorney can tailor the strategy to the specific facts and legal issues.