Wausau, WI Drug Crime Lawyers

A drug crime conviction can impact your life for years to come. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients charged with offenses involving cocaine, heroin, marijuana, methamphetamine, THC and other controlled substances.

Under the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, Wisconsin follows the federal “Schedules” for classification of controlled substances. Wisconsin has a complex punishment scheme for drug crimes, with many offenses constituting serious felonies that can lead to huge fines and years of imprisonment. If you have been charged with a drug crime, simply understanding the charges against you is the first step toward protecting your legal rights.

Experienced Drug Crime Lawyers

At Crooks, Low & Connell, S.C., our criminal defense attorneys have more than a decade of experience helping clients fight drug charges in Wausau and throughout North Central Wisconsin. We regularly represent individuals who have been charged with possession of, or possession with intent to distribute:

• Cocaine
• Crack
• Ecstasy
• Heroin
• LSD
• Marijuana
• Methamphetamine
• Prescription drugs
• THC
• Other controlled substances

From factual issues to evidence obtained from illegal searches and seizures, there are many potential defenses to drug crimes in Wisconsin. While each case is different, we approach each case with the same mindset of using the available defenses to minimize the consequences of our clients’ arrests and, if at all possible, to help them avoid conviction entirely. A drug crime conviction can affect your ability to find a job, get into school, secure financial aid, and take care of your family. Many people have had their lives ruined by drug crime convictions. We want to make sure that this doesn’t happen to you.

Wisconsin Drug Crimes

We provide experienced representation for all drug offenses in Wisconsin. While our offices are located in Wausau, we handle cases in Marathon County and other counties throughout North Central Wisconsin. The cases we handle include, but are not limited to:

• Simple possession
• Possession with intent to distribute
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Drug manufacturing
• Drug distribution and delivery

Simple Possession

Two of the most common drug charges are (i) what is commonly referred to as “simple possession” and (ii) possession with intent to distribute. Simple possession cases typically involve lesser amounts of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other common illegal drugs. The penalties for simple possession in Wisconsin vary, depending on the type of drug involved. For example, the maximum penalties for most simple possession crimes are as follows:

• Possession of cocaine, first offense – One year in jail and a $5,000 fine
• Possession of cocaine, second offense – Three and a half years in prison and a $10,000 fine
• Possession of LSD, first offense – One year in jail and a $5,000 fine
• Possession of LSD, second offense – Three and a half years in prison and a $10,000 fine
• Possession of marijuana, first offense – Six months in jail and a $1,000 fine
• Possession of marijuana, second offense – Three and a half years in prison and a $10,000 fine
• Possession of methamphetamine, any offense – Six years in prison and a $10,000 fine
• Possession of any Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 drugs not listed above – Three and a half years in prison and a $10,000 fine
• Possession of any other controlled substances –30 days in jail and a $500 fine

Possession with Intent to Distribute

Possession with intent to distribute requires proof that you were not holding drugs solely for your personal use. Evidence that prosecutors may try to use to prove this “intent to distribute” includes the amount of the drug in your possession, and any paraphernalia (such as scales or baggies) suggesting that you were involved in a commercial enterprise. However, no single factor is determinative, and the law allows for felony intent-to-distribute charges in circumstances involving as little as a gram or less of cocaine and three grams or less of heroin and methamphetamine.

The most severe possession-with-intent charges are Class C felonies, which carry the possibility of 40 years in prison and $100,000 in fines. However, even lesser charges can lead to tens of thousands of dollars in fines and as many as 12 years and six months behind bars.

Other Consequences of a Drug Crime Conviction in Wisconsin

In addition to fines and jail time, individuals convicted of possession can face loss of their driver’s license, mandatory drug assessments and treatment, and other penalties as well. These, of course, are in addition to the practical consequences of having a drug conviction on your permanent record.

If you have been charged with drug possession, you have a lot at stake. Contact us today to find out how we can help you preserve your freedom and protect your future.