Drug Crime Attorneys in Coeur d’Alene Idaho

Helping Clients in Kootenai County Idaho. Get the Results They Need

If you have been charged with any type of drug crime, you are facing serious criminal penalties. Even for a first-time offender, drug crime charges can carry extreme consequences. With the help of a competent and experienced legal professional, you can maximize your chances of getting charges reduced or even dismissed completely.

Drug crime convictions can result in a wide range of penalties in Idaho, including:

• Heavy fines
• Incarceration
• Community service (100 hours, potentially)
• Loss of firearm rights
• Drug abuse treatment programs
• Ineligibility for student loans, small business administration (SBA) loans, and certain mortgages

If you or a loved one has been charged with any type of drug crime, you should contact our drug crimes lawyers in Coeur d'Alene, who serve Kootenai County. Our attorneys have defended every type of drug crime, from simple possession to manufacturing, delivering, and trafficking. The amount and type of drug you are accused of possessing, selling, trafficking, or intending to sell can be a huge factor in the type of sentencing that you might face.

We are experienced in defending clients facing charges connected with all types of drugs and related charges, including:

• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Marijuana
• Asset forfeiture
• Prescription drugs
• Methamphetamine
• Juvenile drug offenses
• Ecstasy and acid/hallucinogens
• Possession of illegal drug paraphernalia
• Driving under the influence of drugs

Drug Possession Laws & Penalties in ID

In Idaho, the possession of drugs is regulated by state law, which prohibits the possession of certain controlled substances without a valid prescription or authorization from a licensed medical practitioner.

Under Idaho law, controlled substances are classified into five schedules based on their potential for abuse, medical use, and safety considerations. Schedule I substances, such as heroin and LSD, are considered to have the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, while Schedule V substances, such as cough syrups containing codeine, have a lower potential for abuse and are commonly used for medical purposes.

Possession of a Schedule I narcotic and Schedule II CDS is a felony, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 7 years and/or a fine not exceeding $15,000. Possession of LSD is also a felony, punishable by imprisonment for up to 3 years and/or a maximum fine of $5,000.

Marijuana possession for both recreational and medical purposes is illegal. Possession of 3 ounces or less of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor offense, punishable by a jail term of up to one year and/or a maximum fine of $1,000. On the other hand, possession of more than 3 ounces is a felony offense punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Possession of a Schedule I (other than narcotics and LSD), III, IV, V, or VI CDS is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 for a first-time offender. Repeat offenders or those found in possession of larger amounts of drugs may face felony charges and longer prison sentences.

Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Charges in Idaho

The state of Idaho imposes mandatory minimum sentences for those convicted of drug trafficking. A serious offense, drug trafficking crimes of any kind are subject to harsh consequences, with the most frightening penalty being mandatory sentences. The fines and periods of time required behind bars depend on the type and amount of drugs involved. Let’s look at some examples.

In Idaho, any person who knowingly manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of the following are subject to mandatory sentences:

• 5 to 24 pounds of marijuana or 50 to 99 marijuana plants: Mandatory minimum term of 3 years in prison and fines of at least $10,000
• 200 to 399 grams of cocaine: Mandatory minimum term of 5 years in prison and a minimum $15,000 fine
• 400+ grams of amphetamine or methamphetamine: Mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and minimum fines of $25,000
• 28+ grams of heroin or any salt, isomer, or salt of an isomer thereof: Mandatory minimum term of 15 years in prison and $25,000 fines

In addition, any person who knowingly manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of the specified quantities below are subject to a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and at least $25,000 fines.

The following substances are deemed precursors to methamphetamine or amphetamine, therefore they carry mandatory sentences.

• 50 grams or more of ephedrine
• One-half pint or more of methylamine
• One-quarter pint or more of methyl formamide
• 500 grams or more of phenylacetic acid
• 400 grams or more of phenylacetone
• 500 grams or more of pseudoephedrine

An effective Idaho drug lawyer will fight to minimize your charges and protect your rights. Your lawyer will need experience and determination to stand up and fight aggressively.

To learn more about how our Coeur D'Alene drug crime attorneys at Walsh & Lewis PLLC can help you, call us today at (208) 712-8292 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation.