If you have been accused of a crime, Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. is here to fight for your legal rights. Contact us to schedule an appointment with a New Hampshire Criminal Defense lawyer. Initial consultations are completely free and confidential.
New Hampshire Cocaine Defense Lawyer
Facing Cocaine Charges in NH?
Cocaine is a Schedule II substance according to the U.S. Controlled Substances Act. Cocaine retains a Schedule II status rather than Schedule I due to certain approved medical uses. Cocaine is derived from the coca plant and is a stimulant drug that is highly addictive. In the United States, it is illegal to possess, manufacture or distribute this drug without express government medicinal approval.
Chapter 318-B: New Hampshire Controlled Drug Act
According to 318-B:2 Acts Prohibited,
I. It shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture, possess, have under his control, sell, purchase, prescribe, administer, or transport or possess with intent to sell, dispense, or compound any controlled drug, or controlled drug analog, or any preparation containing a controlled drug, except as authorized in this chapter. I-a. It shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture, sell, purchase, transport or possess with intent to sell, dispense, compound, package or repackage (1) any substance which he represents to be a controlled drug or controlled drug analog, or (2) any preparation containing a substance which he represents to be a controlled drug or controlled drug analog, except as authorized in this chapter.
The penalties for cocaine crimes will differ depending on the actual charge. For example, penalties will vary depending on the amount of the drug and the type of charge (possession, trafficking, etc.). Listed below are some examples of cocaine penalties in the state of New Hampshire for manufacturing, selling, prescribing, administering, transporting or possessing with the intent to sell:
- Maximum imprisonment of 30 years and maximum fine of $500,000 for possessing five ounces or more of a mixture containing cocaine and cocaine derivatives.
- Maximum imprisonment of 20 years and maximum fine of $300,000 for a first cocaine offense or a second sentence of 40 years’ imprisonment and a fine not to exceed $500,000.
According to 318-B-26:
II. Any person who knowingly or purposely obtains, purchases, transports, or possesses actually or constructively, or has under his control, any controlled drug or controlled drug analog, or any preparation containing a controlled drug or controlled drug analog, except as authorized in this chapter, shall be sentenced as follows, except as otherwise provided in this section:
(a) In the case of a controlled drug or its analog, classified in schedules I, II, III or IV, other than those specifically covered in this section, the person shall be guilty of a class B felony, except that notwithstanding the provisions of RSA 651:2, IV(a), a fine of not more than $25,000 may be imposed. If any person commits such a violation after one or more prior offenses as defined in RSA 318-B:27, such person shall be guilty of a class A felony, except that notwithstanding the provisions of RSA 651:2, IV(a), a fine of up to $50,000 may be imposed;
Contacting Shaheen & Gordon, P.A.
If you have been arrested for a drug offense involving the Schedule II substance cocaine, then the sooner you contact an attorney, the better. You could face serious penalties such as fines, imprisonment and a mark on your criminal record. Drug convictions can have a negative impact on your future, but there are defenses available to you. If you live in cities such as Concord, Dover & Manchester in New Hampshire or elsewhere in Northern New England, please do not hesitate to contact Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. today.
