Gillette Felony Drug Crime Lawyers

Dedicated Defense Against Gillette Felony Drug Crime Charges

Some drug crimes are felony offenses in Wyoming. Whether a drug crime is a misdemeanor or a felony can depend on several factors, including the specific offense, the type and amount of controlled substance involved, and whether the defendant has prior offenses. Felony drug crimes carry severe penalties upon conviction. If you are facing charges, consult with an experienced Gillette drug crime defense lawyer at Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. by calling (307) 257-7800 as soon as possible.

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Which Drug-Related Crimes Can Be Felonies?

Both federal and Wyoming law classify controlled substances in five schedules, based on whether the drug has accepted medical uses and the likelihood of it being abused. Schedule I controlled substances are considered the most dangerous because they are unsafe, have no accepted medical uses, and have a high likelihood of abuse. Schedule V controlled substances, the least dangerous, include drugs such as cough syrups containing limited amounts of codeine.

Penalties for drug possession can depend on the amount and type of drug. For example:

• Possession of three grams of a controlled substance in crystalline, powder, pill, or capsule form is a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
• Possession of methamphetamine or a Schedule I or II narcotic in a greater amount than allowed for misdemeanor charges is a felony offense that carries up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

Distribution, manufacturing, and possession with attempt to distribute are felony drug crimes that carry a maximum 20-year prison sentence on a federal level. Under state law, penalties for possession with intent to sell will depend on the schedule of the controlled substance. For Schedule I or II narcotics or methamphetamines, it is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $25,000, or both.

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What Is a “Wobbler”?

“Wobbler” is the term for a criminal offense that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, at the discretion of the prosecutor. A defendant’s criminal history is a major determining factor in the prosecutor’s decision. Other factors may include the age of the defendant, whether probation is permitted, the role the defendant played in the crime, and whether the defendant cooperated with the police. When a drug crime is a wobbler, most first-time offenders are charged with a misdemeanor. Repeated offenders or persons arrested with large quantities of drugs in their possession are likely to face felony charges.

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What Are the Consequences of a Felony Conviction?

Felony drug crimes carry serious criminal penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and high fines. In addition, a felony drug conviction on your record can have lifelong consequences. You could lose your right to vote and your right to possess firearms. It could disqualify you from receiving food stamps, federal education loans, grants, and work assistance. You will be barred from military service and your passport may be revoked.

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How Can a Gillette Felony Drug Crime Defense Attorney Help?

If you are facing felony drug charges in Campbell County, your best chance of obtaining the most favorable outcome is to have an experienced Gillette criminal defense attorney on your side. Our skilled legal team at Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. will base your defense strategy on the specific charges against you, the quantity of drugs involved, the severity of the alleged offense, and your criminal history. One common defense is to find and expose violations of constitutional rights, which can result in charges being dismissed.

The outcome of a Campbell County felony drug crime case can have a tremendous impact on the remainder of your life. Call us at (307) 257-7800 to get the skilled criminal defense you need.

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