Cocaine is commonly made into a white powder from the coca plant for injection or inhaling. Cocaine remains illegal across the country because of its addictive nature and effects on the body. Citizens in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, may face several penalties for possessing, buying, trafficking, and selling cocaine.
Cocaine law overview
The Controlled Substance Act regulates the buying, manufacturing and selling of potentially dangerous substances and only qualified physicians can prescribe legal CDS. Oklahoma bases drug charges on five penalty groups, Schedules I to V, which are similar to the Federal Schedules. The drug classifications group substances according to accepted medical use, abuse risk, side-effects, and medical knowledge.
Schedule I substances, which include PSP, heroin, and LSD, have the highest addiction risk and no approved medical use. Cocaine is classified under Schedule II, which are substances with addictive potential but have limited medical use. The risk of addiction decreases and medical usage increases under Schedules III to V, which includes prescriptions.
Cocaine penalties
Penalties are commonly based on the amount and kind of substances, prior convictions, and where the arrest happened. The penalties double if caught within 1,000 feet of a school or involving minors under 12 in the crime. While many drug offenses are charged as misdemeanors or felonies, cocaine charges are commonly felonies for any amount.
Cocaine possession commonly carries a penalty of a maximum $1,000 fine and one year of jail for a first offense. Selling cocaine often includes penalties of up to a $100,000 fine and a maximum life in jail sentence.
If the defendant is caught with 28 grams or more of cocaine in possession, trafficking charges may apply. The penalties for trafficking 28g to 299g of cocaine are up to $300,000 in fines and a minimum of five years to life jail term. Penalties for trafficking 300g or more of cocaine commonly result in a $500,000 fine and a sentence of up to life in prison.
Drug charges often carry other serious consequences for the defendant. However, some first offenders may qualify for alternative sentencing.
