Idaho has a strict, no-tolerance drug policy. It’s a felony offense to deliver, manufacture, or possess with the intent of delivering or manufacturing a controlled substance. Despite the consequences of drug-related crimes, 13,674 drug-related offenses were reported in Idaho in 2022.
If you’re facing drug charges, you may be wondering whether you need a felony drug lawyer. The answer is yes. Your future and freedom are on the line. You need an experienced attorney on your side advocating and fighting on your behalf through every step of the legal process.
Why You Need an Attorney
A felony drug conviction can upend your life. Along with expensive fines, you can lose your freedom. Having a felony on your record can also make it more difficult to find employment.
With so much at stake, you can’t afford to make a wrong move.
An experienced lawyer will:
Protect Your Rights and Advocate Zealously for You
One of the most important things a lawyer will do is help you protect your rights. They will explain the charges against you, what they mean for your future and which course of action will achieve the best possible outcome.
The first step is to assess your case to determine:
- Whether there was cause to stop or detain you
- Were any of your Constitutional rights violated at any point during the arrest or investigation?
If your rights were violated, there’s a chance the charges may be thrown out.
Negotiate with Prosecutors
A lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors to secure a plea deal that is in your best interest. If a plea deal is on the table, your lawyer will clearly explain what the deal entails and its pros and cons. He or she will explain how it will affect you, and whether it will benefit you. They will negotiate on your behalf to secure the best possible deal.
Help You Find the Best Path Forward
The legal process is complex, and there are rarely guarantees when it comes to outcomes. An attorney will help you find the best path forward regardless of where you are in the process.
If a deal cannot be made, your case will go to trial. Your attorney will be prepared to represent you in the courtroom and continue advocating for a not-guilty verdict or a lesser sentence.
Your attorney can also help you prepare for the consequences and minimize the effects on you and your family if you are convicted.
How Idaho Handles Drug Charges
Idaho takes a strict stance against drug crimes. Your charge may be a misdemeanor or a felony as follows:
- Misdemeanor: A misdemeanor occurs when you have paraphernalia in your possession with an intent to use. Having smaller quantities of some drugs like Marijuana is also a misdemeanor charge. While less serious than a felony, you still risk up to a year in jail and fines of up to $1,000.
- Felony: Narcotics, opium and opiates, LSD, 3 ounces or more of Marijuana, distribution or possession of certain drugs are all considered felony offenses.
As your felony drug lawyer, we’ll explain the legal steps ahead in defending against drug charges.
Penalties You Face for Felony Drug Charges
Any felony charge is serious, and you risk life-changing consequences if found guilty. Penalties for drug-related felonies include:
- Schedule I or II: Up to 7 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
- Possession of LSD: Up to 3 years in prison and fines of up to $5,000.
- 3+ ounces of Marijuana: Up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
If you were caught manufacturing, delivering, or bringing large quantities of drugs into the state, you face very stiff fines and penalties. For example, if 400 or more grams of cocaine are involved, you face 10+ years of imprisonment and $25,000 in fines.
Trafficking cocaine has a maximum imprisonment of life and $100,000 in fines.
A thorough review of your case is needed to fully inform you of the potential penalties you could face and to map out how to best defend you.
Contact Cutler Law Office, P.A. Today
John Cutler, founding attorney of the Cutler Law Office, has over 30 years of experience fighting for clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges across Idaho, including in Idaho Falls, Blackfoot, Rigby, St. Anthony, Rexburg, Arco, and Island Park.
Mr. Cutler is ready to defend your case on the:
- Federal level
- State level
Drug charges are serious, and our law office will be your fierce advocate, helping defend you against potentially life-changing charges.
Contact us today to speak to a felony drug lawyer about your case.
