Charges for Drug Crimes: Some of the Most Recent Drug Law Changes in Oklahoma

Over the last few years, there have been some pretty significant changes to Oklahoma’s drug crimes punishments and penalties. These changes, while they appear small and insignificant in some cases, can actually mean all of the difference for people who buy, sell, or traffic drugs.

In some cases, they have been made more intense and in others, they have been lessened. Many of these changes reflect a changing feeling toward marijuana and its use. Still the opioid epidemic that is gripping not only Oklahoma, but the entire world, has resulted in harsher penalties to try to thwart the problem.

Here are some of the most significant changes:

Possession of Illegal Narcotics

As of July 1, 2017, possession of illegal narcotics is a misdemeanor. These are for small amounts and will vary by drug. However, it does not matter any of the other circumstances, for that small amount, it will be a misdemeanor. This change was due, in large part, to 58% of the voters in Oklahoma passing State Question 780 in the election of last November 2016. SQ 780 amends 63 O.S. § 2-402. While the quantity may vary, it tends to be any amount that is not an automatic trafficking amount.

Even if it is a small amount, any drugs that are packaged for distribution or seems to be part of a larger amount could be considered a trafficking charge, which tends to be worse. You can check the Medical Marijuana Law online for more knowledge. Also, there are certain limits and standards for this as well. Some of these include:

•         More than 25 pounds of marijuana
•         More than 10 grams of heroin
•         More than 20 grams of methamphetamine
•         More than 28 grams of cocaine

Of course, possessing scales, a lot of cash, packages, or having a history of trafficking can also result in a felony charge against you. Possession with Intent is a somewhat subjective crime, though more than often there is enough evidence found somewhere to convict you of the charge.

Some of the most common pieces of evidence? Baggies, admitting to selling drugs, having a history, possessing a large amount of money in small bills, having packaging, having drugs but not testing positive for those drugs, and being caught in the act of selling or giving away drugs.

Some of the major drug impacted by this change include methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, but there are other drugs included in this change.

Why is this change so important? Well, these crimes can result in jail time, even for a misdemeanor. Of course, these changes will vary by county and locality, but there are some places where first time offenses can result in jail time if the drug is one of the more serious ones. Some areas, of course, will be more lenient when it comes to drugs like marijuana. Right now, heroin and other opioid drugs do tend to result in harsher punishments.

How Can I Avoid Going to Jail for This?

The best way to avoid going to jail under these new charges is to avoid using, selling, or buying drugs. However, everyone makes mistakes and there are some situations in which you might not have had a choice. In these cases, it is important to hire an expert criminal drug defense lawyer that knows the Oklahoma court system.

Each Oklahoma based drug lawyer will have a different list of skills that they have, especially when it comes to fighting drug charges. Talk to a few different drug lawyers and listen to some of the success stories that they have had – how they have helped people get their lives back and move on from drug charges.

It is important to note that there is a higher chance of going to jail if you have been caught with a drug more than once – but remember, it is still just a misdemeanor if it is simple possession. Anything more than that and you will have a problem.

If you have been arrested for possession of a controlled substance, no matter what that is, you absolutely need to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. There is no time for procrastinating. You do not want to be the person that they use to make an example of in court – you want to get on with the rest of your life.