Cocaine Classification And Overview Of Penalties

Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance under Wisconsin’s drug laws. Possessing ANY amount of cocaine, even on contaminated surfaces, is illegal. First-time possession of cocaine is always a Class I felony offense. Maximum punishments include a one-year jail sentence, $5,000 in fines and the loss of your driver’s license for up to five years. First-offense cocaine possession carries additional surcharges, which could increase your total fines to $7,500.

If you are facing charges of cocaine possession, Cleghorn Jones Trial Attorneys can help. Call us for a consultation.

How To Beat Cocaine Possession Charges In Wisconsin

Drug charges are prosecuted aggressively and quickly, so hiring a criminal defense attorney is essential to winning your case. Effective defenses will determine whether your drug charges can be reduced or eliminated completely. Defenses include:

• Not enough proof: You are innocent until proven guilty. If the prosecution cannot prove that the drug was yours, there is insufficient evidence to convict you.
• Fourth Amendment rights: Law enforcement officers must have a warrant to search your home or probable cause to demand a vehicle search. If a controlled substance is found without consent, it cannot be used legally as evidence.
• Entrapment: If you were arrested by an undercover officer, a skilled criminal defense attorney will be able to argue that you were pressured into committing a crime.
• Fabricated evidence: Some officers will use false evidence in a case to justify an arrest. If you think a controlled substance was planted on you or your property, talk to your attorney immediately.

Hire The Best Criminal Defense Attorney To Win Your Case

We have been defending clients accused of drug possession, OWI/DUI and firearm-related charges since 2003. We have taken on cases that other attorneys abandoned and have successfully defended clients in front of a jury.

If you or someone you know is facing first-time cocaine possession, contact us immediately to reduce or eliminate your charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following are some answers to questions we are often asked about possession:

Does a cocaine possession charge remain on your record for life?

First-offense cocaine possession is a felony charge that will remain on your record for life. For larger amounts of cocaine, you will face much more severe intent to distribute charges.

How much is a drug paraphernalia ticket?

Possessing drug paraphernalia in Wisconsin is a misdemeanor offense with 30 days of maximum jail time and a $500 fine.

Is possession of drug paraphernalia a criminal offense?

Drug paraphernalia charges can either be a misdemeanor or felony offense. Paraphernalia is more than just a ticket, and you will have a permanent criminal record if convicted.

Cocaine Intent To Distribute Charges

Intent to distribute charges are always felony offenses in Wisconsin, even for first-time offenders. Schedule II drugs are considered very addictive, with a high potential for physical and psychological dependency. Intent to distribute can be shown by several factors:

• Drug quantity
• Drug street value
• Presence of manufacturing equipment
• Presence of drug paraphernalia

Even if you possess only one gram of cocaine, you can still be charged with intent to distribute. Prison sentences for felony possession with intent to distribute range from 12.5 to 40 years and $25,000 to $100,000 in fines, depending on the amount.

Call our firm, Cleghorn Jones Trial Attorneys, today at 414-567-9241 or email us to schedule a free consultation.