Fort Wayne Attorney Defends Clients Charged with Possession of Amphetamines and Methamphetamine

Indiana advocate offers aggressive representation for serious drug charges

A large part of the drug culture in Indiana and throughout America involves amphetamines and methamphetamine, which are synthetic mood-altering stimulants that users take to feel empowered. The truth is that these substances have the power to destroy lives. If you are convicted for possession or distribution of these drugs, the penalties are severe. If you’ve been arrested, invoke your right to remain silent and demand to see an attorney immediately. When you choose The Law Offices of Ryan E. Lackey, you get an experienced trial lawyer determined to protect your rights and fight aggressively for a positive resolution of your case.

Amphetamine possession in Indiana

Amphetamines are synthetic central nervous system stimulants that have some recognized therapeutic value but are regulated because they are highly addictive and dangerous when abused. Amphetamines are legal with a valid prescription from a licensed medical practitioner, but unauthorized possession can result in charges ranging from misdemeanor to felony, depending on the amount of the drug and enhancements, such as possession in a school zone. Potential penalties range from several months in jail to many years in state prison.

Methamphetamine and penalties in Indiana

Derived from amphetamines in the early 20th century, methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive synthetic stimulant that targets the central nervous system. Known on the streets as meth, chalk, ice, or crystal, the drug appears as a white, odorless, bitter-tasting powder that dissolves easily in water or alcohol. Like amphetamine, meth produces a pleasant sense of euphoria but is much more powerful, longer lasting and more damaging to the central nervous system.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has classified methamphetamine as a Schedule II stimulant, so that it is only available legally through a nonrefillable prescription. The penalties for possession of meth are:

• Level 6 felony — Less than three grams is punishable by six months to 2.5 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Level 5 felony — If the amount is at least three but less than 10 grams or less than 3 grams and was committed in a protected zone such as on a school bus or within 500 feet of a school, park, family housing complex, or youth center, the offense is punishable by one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Level 4 felony — If the amount is between 10 and 28 grams, or between three and 10 grams in a protected zone, the offense is punishable by two to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Level 3 felony — If the amount is 28 grams or more, or between 10 and 28 grams in a protected zone, the offense is punishable by three to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

If the offense involves knowingly or intentionally manufacturing, delivering, financing the manufacturing or delivery, or possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, the penalties for a conviction include:

• Level 5 felony — Dealing less than three grams of meth is punishable by one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Level 4 felony — If the amount is at least three but less than 10 grams or less than 3 grams and was committed in a protected zone, the offense is punishable by two to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Level 3 felony — If the amount is between 10 and 28 grams, or between three and 10 grams in a protected zone, the offense is punishable by three to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
• Level 2 felony — If the amount is 28 grams or more, between 10 and 28 grams in a protected zone, or if the manufacturing resulted in an explosion that caused someone serious injury, the offense is punishable by 10 to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

All drug charges need to be taken very seriously. If you are arrested, contact a proven criminal defense lawyer immediately.

Contact an aggressive Indiana criminal defense lawyer to handle drug charges

If you have been arrested for possession or distribution of amphetamines or methamphetamine, The Law Offices of Ryan E. Lackey provides strong defense representation. For a free consultation and cost-effective counsel from an experienced Fort Wayne attorney, please contact the firm online or call us at 260-222-7364.