Drug Crimes Attorney in El Dorado, Arkansas

Being arrested and charged with a drug crime can be frightening and confusing, especially considering that a conviction can have far-reaching consequences beyond possible incarceration. When your future is on the line, you need an experienced attorney who will aggressively fight on your behalf and work tirelessly to obtain the most favorable outcome possible.  

As a drug crimes attorney at James B. Bennett Law Office, I have the knowledge and determination necessary to help you devise a strong defense for your circumstances. With decades of experience in criminal defense law, I am ready to serve as a meticulous and aggressive advocate for you. With an office in El Dorado, AR, I represent clients throughout all of South Arkansas.  

Drug Crimes in Arkansas

Arkansas law recognizes different types of drug crimes, including: 

• Drug possession. Under Arkansas law, possession of certain controlled substances, including cocaine and methamphetamine, is a criminal offense. Individuals may also face criminal charges for possession of prescription drugs if they do not have a valid prescription. Drug possession is typically a misdemeanor in Arkansas, but certain factors can elevate it to a felony.  

• Drug manufacture. Manufacturing, producing, cultivating, and creating drugs falls under the umbrella term of “drug manufacture,” which is a crime punished more harshly than drug possession. Depending on the type of drug and the amount, the crime can result in the most serious felony offense.  

• Drug possession with intent to deliver. If a person possesses controlled substances with the intent to deliver them to other people, whether for sale or as a gift, they can face the “drug possession with intent to deliver” charge. Depending on the type and quantity of the controlled substance, the charges can range from Class C to Class A felony but less serious offenses may be classified as a Class A misdemeanor or Class D felony.  

• Drug trafficking. A person may be accused of trafficking a controlled substance if they possess drugs with the intent to deliver, sell, or manufacture it. Drug trafficking charges should be taken very seriously, as defendants facing such charges may face a Class Y felony, the most severe felony classification in Arkansas.  

When facing any type of drug crime in Arkansas, you will want to discuss your situation with an attorney immediately. As a drug crimes attorney in El Dorado, Arkansas, I can help you understand the charges you are facing and what your defense options are.  

Drug Schedules

Controlled substances are categorized into six schedules based on their risk of abuse and dependency and their medical value: 

1. Schedule I drugs, which include but are not limited to heroin, morphine, opiates, and certain stimulants, have the highest potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.  

2. Schedule II drugs, which include but are not limited to cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, and oxycodone, have a high likelihood of abuse and dependency and certain accepted medical uses.  

3. Schedule III drugs, which include but are not limited to anabolic steroids and ketamine, have an accepted medical use and a medium risk of abuse and dependency.  

4. Schedule IV drugs, which include many sleep medications and anti-depressants, have an accepted medical use and a lower likelihood of abuse and dependency.  

5. Schedule V drugs, which include preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotic ingredients, have a widely accepted medical use and a low potential for abuse and dependency.  

6. Schedule VI drugs, which include marijuana and salvia, can be used in medical treatment and have a low risk of abuse and dependency.  

This classification of drugs matters because the schedule of the controlled substance will affect the charges you may face and the possible penalties. For example, depending on the schedule, possession of certain drugs can be either a misdemeanor or a felony.  

Possible Penalties

Arkansas law takes drug crimes very seriously, which is why individuals convicted of such crimes often face life-altering penalties. Depending on the drug and its quantity as well as the type of the offense, possible penalties may include: 

• Incarceration (jail or prison time) 

• Probation 

• Community service 

• Loss of the right to possess firearms 

• Loss of voting rights 

• Permanent criminal record 

• A suspension of the driver’s license 

• Loss of child custody 

• Deportation (if the defendant is an immigrant) 

• Difficulty finding employment and housing 

At James B. Bennett Law Office, I understand the risks you are facing if convicted of a drug crime in Arkansas. For this reason, I am dedicated to helping each and every client I represent fight diligently for their rights, freedom, and future. I know what you are going through and can help take some of the stress off your shoulders.