Drug Crime Attorneys in Overland Park, Kansas 

Being charged with a drug crime can be an incredibly stressful experience. If convicted, you could suffer serious consequences, including losses of certain freedoms, employment opportunities, or relationships with loved ones. Don’t leave your future up to chance. Reach out to a skilled criminal defense attorney who can advocate for the fair outcome you need. 

Contact Roth Davies LLC if you were recently arrested on drug crime charges in Johnson County, Kansas. Its attorneys are prepared to listen to your story and investigate the details of your arrest. They’ll search the arrest report for flaws, violations of your rights, and other pieces of evidence that can help build your defense. Schedule a consultation with the team today at its office in Overland Park. 

Federal Drug Crimes 

A person can be charged with a drug crime at the local, state, or federal level. More serious drug-related offenses — specifically ones that involve transporting drugs across state lines — are more likely to be charged at the federal level, and they typically come with mandatory minimum prison sentences. Federal drug charges include offenses such as drug manufacturing, trafficking, and distributing. 

Drug Charges in Kansas 

According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, 2,788 adults were arrested for drug-related offenses in Johnson County in 2021. Below is a list of common drug charges one may be charged within the state of Kansas. 

Drug Possession 

If any controlled substances were found on your person, in your car, or anywhere that you had reasonable access to, you might face drug possession charges. Under Kansas law, the term “controlled substances” refers to illicit drugs such as marijuana, heroin, and methamphetamines, as well as the compounds used to make them. 

Drug Manufacturing 

In the context of criminal law, drug manufacturing is the act of being involved in any step of the illegal drug production process. Examples of drug manufacturing include growing marijuana plants, using cold and allergy medications like pseudoephedrine to cook meth, and operating a drug lab. 

Drug Distribution 

Whether you sold controlled substances or gave them away, the act of drug distribution is prohibited by law in the state of Kansas. In addition to illicit drugs like marijuana and cocaine, it also illegal to distribute pharmaceutical drugs that have been prescribed to you. 

Drug Schedules 

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) groups drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs into five distinct schedules. Drugs are categorized into different schedules based on their acceptable medical use and their potential for abuse or dependency. 

Schedule I 

Schedule I drugs, substances, and chemicals do not have accepted reasons for medical use, and they each have a high likelihood of being abused. Examples include heroin, marijuana (cannabis), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). 

Schedule II 

Schedule II substances have a high potential for addiction and abuse. Some are illegal, and others are severely restricted for medical purposes. Examples include cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone (OxyContin), Vyvanse, and Adderall. 

Schedule III 

Schedule III substances have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. Like Schedule II substances, they are severely restricted in terms of medical use. Examples of Schedule III substances include anabolic steroids, testosterone, and ketamine. 

Schedule IV 

Schedule IV substances have a low potential for both abuse and dependence, and they are often used in medical treatments. Examples include Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Ambien. 

Schedule V 

Schedule V substances have the lowest potential for abuse and are often used for medical purposes. Examples include cough medicines with less than 200 mg of codeine or per 100 milliliters (such as Robitussin AC), Motofen, Parepectolin, and Lyrica. 

Potential Penalties of a Conviction in Kansas 

The consequences of a drug conviction will depend on the offense that was committed, the schedule of drug (or drugs) involved, the amount found in the offender's possession, and their criminal history. If convicted of a drug crime, you could be subject to any of the following penalties: 

• Large fines 

• A prison sentence that lasts months, years, or decades 

• A criminal record that affects your housing, employment, or educational opportunities 

• The inability to carry, own, or possess firearms  

• Increased difficulty in obtaining public benefits or government assistance 

• Ineligibility for certain financial loans   

• Deterioration of your personal and professional relationships 

Be sure to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who can help you fight back against your drug charge and work to avoid these devastating penalties. 

Secure Dedicated Defense Representation 

If you’ve been charged with a drug possession, distribution, or a different drug crime in Johnson County or anywhere else in the state of Kansas, reach out to Roth Davies LLC. A team of attorneys is ready to help you seek a fair and favorable result that allows you to move forward. Contact their office in Overland Park today to schedule a consultation.