With over 30 years of experience in drug crime defense, John Cutler of Cutler Law Office, P.A., can help you with your Rexburg area drug case. He understands the overwhelming emotions you may be experiencing:
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Stress
Facing misdemeanor or felony charges for drug-related offenses can lead to sleepless nights. Charges such as distribution, manufacturing, possession, or trafficking are serious matters and add to the stress.
Each year, approximately 244,000 Americans receive prison sentences for drug-related crimes. At Cutler Law Office, we are dedicated to fighting to improve the outcome of your drug charges. We will discuss your rights and legal options, drawing from extensive experience in defending drug cases in both state and federal court.
Our goal is to determine the most effective defense strategy for your unique situation. If your rights were violated, we will seek to pursue motions to suppress evidence or seek charge dismissal or reduction. In cases where conviction seems imminent, we strive to minimize or eliminate jail time and other punishment within the bounds of the law.
You need an experienced attorney to fight against severe penalties, potential incarceration or jail time, and life-changing accusations. Every case is unique, and we will need to sit down and go over the facts and circumstances of your case to fully outline your options and assess your situation.
Contact us to learn how we can help you fight back against your drug charges.
Drug Crime Facts and Statistics
Idaho imposes severe penalties for drug offenses, including:
- Up to 7 years in prison and $15,000 in fines for possession of Schedule I narcotics or Schedule II drugs
- Up to 3 years in prison and $5,000 in fines for LSD possession
- Up to 5 years in prison and $10,000 in fines for possessing over 3 ounces of marijuana
- Up to a year in jail and $1,000 in fines for possession of Schedule I, III, IV, V, or VI drugs, not including narcotics or LSD,
Drug offenses account for 24.5% of all offenses in Idaho in 2022. Over 13,670 drug or narcotic violations were reported in the same year, and over 10,280 arrests were made as a result.
What Types of Drug Offenses Are There?
If you’re facing a drug offense, it will fall within one of the categories below:
Possession
Possession of a controlled substance can be “simple possession,” which means that while you had a certain amount on your person, it doesn’t mean that you were trying to distribute or manufacture it. Possession can still be serious, depending on if you’re in possession of Schedule 1 – 6 drugs.
For example, LSD possession is serious and carries a prison sentence of up to three years.
Trafficking
If possess large quantities of drugs you could face trafficking charges. Each drug has its own consequences, and depending on the amount, you will most likely face mandatory minimum imprisonment.
Manufacturing
A manufacturing charge means that you grew, produced, or prepared a controlled substance. Even extraction is considered a form of manufacturing.
Distribution
Charges of distribution come in many forms, such as possession with intent to distribute or delivery of a controlled substance.
Do I Need an Attorney If I Am Facing Drug Charges?
If you’re facing drug charges, it is in your best interest to contact a Rexburg drug crime lawyer as soon as possible. The penalties you face are serious and will affect your life for years to come.
An attorney with experience handling drug-related cases will know how to build a strong case in your defense and fight tirelessly to protect your rights.
What Are the Consequences of a Drug Conviction?
In Idaho, drug convictions come with serious consequences. Along with costly fines, your freedom is on the line.
The penalties will depend on the drug and the circumstances. Drug trafficking penalties can include:
- Marijuana: 1-5 years mandatory with fines of $5,000-$15,000+
- Cocaine: 3-10 years mandatory with fines of $10,000-$25,000+
- Heroin: 3-15 years mandatory with fines of $10,000-$25,000+
In some cases, the maximum penalty for drug trafficking is life in prison and fines of $100,000.
The penalties for drug possession are not as severe but can still be life-changing.
- Marijuana (3 ounces or less): A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $1,000 in fines
- Marijuana (over 3 ounces): A felony punishable by up to 5 years in jail and $10,000 in fines
- Cocaine: Up to 7 years in jail and fines of up to $15,000
- Methamphetamine (28-200 grams): At least 3 years in prison and a fine of $10,000
Additional convictions will double these penalties.
How A Drug Crime Attorney from Cutler Law Office Can Help You
Idaho has little tolerance for alcohol and drug use. If you’re charged with a drug-related crime, it is crucial to hire an attorney as soon as possible. The penalties of a conviction can be stiff and, in some cases, life-altering.
A lawyer handling drug crime cases in the Rexburg area can help you:
Understand the Charges and Your Options
Drug crimes are serious, and their consequences can be far-reaching. A lawyer can help you understand the charges and penalties you face, which may include:
- Jail time
- Fines
They can also help you understand your legal options and potential defenses for your case – without the legal jargon. Every case is unique, but your attorney may be able to argue that:
- The drug search was illegal
- Your Constitutional rights were violated
- The drugs belonged to someone else
If you have questions about your case or the charges you face, your attorney can clarify things in a way that you can understand.
Navigate the Complicated Legal System
The legal system is complex, especially when it comes to drug crimes. Your lawyer will help you navigate the court system, explain what to expect at each step of the way, and provide guidance on:
- What to say or not say
- How to behave in court
- What to do to help mitigate the consequences of your case
Negotiate a Plea Deal
Depending on the circumstances of your case, your lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea deal to reduce the charges or sentence. If a plea deal is on the table, your lawyer will ensure that the agreement is in your best interest and will explain it to you.
Drug crimes can have serious consequences. Attempting to navigate the legal system on your own can put you at a significant disadvantage. An experienced Rexburg drug crime lawyer will work to achieve the best possible outcome in our case.
Attorney John Cutler has more than three decades of experience practicing criminal law. He fights zealously to defend his clients against criminal charges and protect their Constitutional rights. And he takes the time to explain your case each step along the way.
As a member of the Idaho Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers and recipient of a “Superb” 10.0 rating by AVVO.com, Mr. Cutler has been recognized for his experience and success in criminal defense.
If you’re facing drug charges, there is no time to waste. today for a consultation and to find the best path forward in your case. We serve Rexburg, Blackfoot, Rigby, St. Anthony, Idaho Falls, Arco, Island Park, and surrounding areas.
