Northwest Arkansas Drug Crime Lawyers

Arkansas Drug Laws and Penalties

Drug crimes in Arkansas can be either a misdemeanor or a felony. If it is a felony, the least serious drug charges can get you up to 6 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. If it is a misdemeanor, you can get a year in jail and a fine of $2,500.

Because drug charges are so serious, if you or someone you love has a drug charge, Norwood & Norwood, P.A. believes you need an experienced Northwest Arkansas drug crime attorney as quickly as possible after you are charged. We know how to fight for you and help you through the process.

The criminal defense team at Norwood and Norwood, P.A. has close to 100 years of experience defending people in Northwest Arkansas with drug charges, and includes former prosecuting attorneys. Attorney Doug Norwood leads our criminal defense team which has fought for thousands of people charged with drug crimes and knows what it takes to obtain the most favorable outcome. That’s why we have 100’s of 5 star reviews. Check out the most recent case results we have achieved for our clients!

Our Northwest Arkansas drug crime lawyers have already used our knowledge and experience to get 1,000’s of drug charges:

• Dismissed, or
• Found not guilty, or
• Reduced to misdemeanors, or
• Kept off our clients’ records, or
• Kept from being filed.

Most of our clients who are charged with a drug charge don’t go to jail or prison.

Small Sample of Some of Our Drug Case Results

• DISMISSED: Delivery - Controlled Substance (State v H.S.)
• DISMISSED: Possession - Meth (State v B.B.)
• DISMISSED: Possession - w/Intent to Deliver (State v J.P.)
• DISMISSED: Possession - Marijuana (State v A.B.)
• DISMISSED: Possession - Drug Paraphernalia (State v K.R.)
• DISMISSED: Possession - Pills (State v A.W.)

Check out more drug related results below or by clicking here.

*** The people of Northwest Arkansas have voted us Best of NWA Criminal Lawyer, NWA Democrat-Gazette***

You must decide if you should plead guilty or not guilty to the Judge. Our advice is to definitely plead NOT guilty. If you hire us, you may not have to attend your first court hearing.

Our top priority is getting the best possible outcome for your individual case. Call (479) 235-4600 now to discuss your rights and legal options, during a FREE office visit with our Northwest Arkansas drug crime attorneys. We have offices in Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers or Springdale.

Penalties for Drug Crimes in AR

A conviction for a drug offense may include jail/prison, fines, probation, and many other penalties. Drug crimes can be felonies or misdemeanors. The Arkansas penalties for drug crimes include:

• Class Y felony: 10 to 40 years in prison or life imprisonment
• Class A felony: 6 to 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000
• Class B felony: 5 to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000
• Class C felony: 3 to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000
• Class D felony: 0 to 6 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000
• Class A misdemeanor: up to 1 year in jail and a maximum fine of $2,500
• Class B misdemeanor: up to 90 days in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000
• Class C misdemeanor: up to 30 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500

What Happens If I’m Convicted of a Drug Crime in Arkansas?

Unless you win your drug crime case:

• You could be sentenced to jail or prison
• You may pay hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines and fees
• Your driver’s license may be suspended for months
• You may have to sign up for substance abuse treatment at your own expense
• You may not be able to rent a place to live
• You could be fired from your job
• You may have a hard time getting a job
• You may have a hard time getting into college
• You may get suspended or expelled from college 

Our Northwest Arkansas drug crime attorneys at Norwood & Norwood, P.A. have hundreds of five-star reviews. When you schedule a free visit, we will let you know about our affordable payment plans with a low down payment (Visa/MasterCard/Discover accepted) and determine your available legal options to help you get the best result!

Types of Drug Charges We Defend

• Drug possession
• Drug manufacturing/growing
• Drug trafficking
• Prescription fraud
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Possession with intent to deliver
• Simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms

Our firm will use our decades of experience to work towards helping you:

• Get your drug charges dismissed
• Win your drug charge
• Keep charges off your record
• Keep you out of jail/prison
• Keep your driver’s license from being suspended
• Keep you from going to court
• Keep your fines low

Possession of Controlled Substance Arkansas

Arkansas regulates the possession of controlled dangerous substances (CDS). Controlled substances include many common illegal drugs—such as marijuana, meth, heroin, cocaine, and LSD—as well as the compounds used to make those drugs. Controlled substances can also include legal prescription drugs.

When someone is arrested for drug possession, they are at risk of facing several severe penalties. Punishments can include significant jail/prison time and large fines. The specific consequences for these offenses are determined by the type and amount of drug involved, among other factors.

Drug Schedules in Arkansas

In Arkansas, controlled substances are divided into six schedules or categories based on their risk of dependency and abuse and whether they have an accepted medical use.

The schedule of the drug impacts the penalties you could face. Schedule I and II drugs can be charged as different levels of felonies depending on a variety factors. Possession of a Schedule III, IV, or V drug can be a misdemeanor or a felony, quite often depending on the amount. Possession of marijuana can be a misdemeanor or felony.

The drug schedules include:

• Schedule I: drugs that have no medical use and are the most likely to be abused, including opiates, heroin, Ecstasy, morphine, and GHB
• Schedule II: drugs that have an accepted medical use but pose a high risk of dependency and abuse, including methamphetamine and cocaine
• Schedule III: drugs that have medicinal use and a lower risk of addiction, including anabolic steroids
• Schedule VI Drugs Arkansas: drugs that can be used in medical treatment and have a low risk of dependency and abuse, including sleep medications and anti-depressants
• Schedule V: drugs that can be used medicinally and are considered the least dangerous controlled substance, including prescriptions and OTC drugs
• Schedule VI: drugs that have no approved medicinal use and could cause harm or addiction, including marijuana

First Time Drug Offenders in Arkansas

When a first-time drug offense occurs in Arkansas, the legal process typically begins with the arrest and booking of the individual. Following this, the accused will appear in court for an arraignment, where they will enter a plea. Depending on the nature of the charge and the substance involved, the case may proceed to trial or be resolved through a plea agreement.

Potential Penalties For First Time Drug Offenders

Arkansas categorizes drug offenses based on the type and amount of substance involved. For first-time offenders, penalties can vary widely. Possession of a controlled substance, like marijuana, may result in a misdemeanor charge, while possession of more dangerous drugs like methamphetamine or cocaine could lead to felony charges. Penalties may include fines, probation, or even jail time, depending on the severity of the offense.

Diversion Programs and Alternative Sentencing

Arkansas offers several diversion programs and alternative sentencing options aimed at first-time offenders. These programs provide an opportunity to avoid a criminal record by completing specific requirements:

• Drug Court Programs: These programs focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Offenders participate in substance abuse treatment, undergo regular drug testing, and attend court sessions. Successful completion can lead to reduced charges or dismissal.
• Pretrial Diversion: Offered at the discretion of the prosecutor, this program allows offenders to fulfill certain conditions, such as community service or educational programs, in exchange for having charges dropped.
• Probation and Deferred Adjudication: First-time offenders may be eligible for probation or deferred adjudication, where the court withholds a formal conviction if the offender complies with specific terms.

The Importance of Legal Representation For First Time Drug Offenders

Having skilled legal representation is vital for first-time drug offenders. An experienced attorney can navigate the complexities of the legal system, advocate for alternative sentencing options, and work toward minimizing the consequences of the charge. Legal counsel can also negotiate plea agreements or argue for participation in diversion programs, potentially altering the outcome of the case significantly.

In conclusion, while Arkansas imposes serious penalties for drug offenses, first-time offenders do have options that can help mitigate the long-term impact of a conviction. Understanding these options and seeking competent legal representation are essential steps toward a more favorable resolution. By focusing on rehabilitation and making informed decisions, offenders can better navigate the legal challenges they face.

Representation from Northwest Arkansas Drug Crime Lawyers

Drug crimes come with serious consequences. You cannot afford to not have an aggressive criminal defense team on your side during this challenging time. Obtain experienced legal counsel by reaching out to Norwood & Norwood, P.A. Our Northwest Arkansas drug crime lawyers are waiting to listen to your side of the story and help you figure out the right course of action. We offer reasonable rates and payment plans as part of our commitment to make our legal services affordable.

To find out how to proceed with your case, contact our skilled Northwest Arkansas drug crime lawyers online or by phone at (479) 235-4600.