First-Time Drug Charges Attorney in Indiana

Merrillville drug crimes lawyer challenges first offenses

If you’ve been arrested on first-time drug charges in Indiana, our accomplished Merrillville drug charges attorney will ensure your rights are protected while guiding you through every stage of the legal process. At the Law Office of Weiss, Schmidgall and Hires, P.C., we have helped numerous first-time drug offenders with getting their charges reduced or even dismissed. We will build the strongest defense possible in your circumstances. 

First time drug possession charges in Merrillville and Lake County

If you were arrested for the first time for illegally possessing a prescription drug, marijuana or another controlled substance, the charges will depend on the type of drug, its quantity, whether it was intended for personal use or for sale and any enhancing circumstances. First-time drug possession may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. 

Potential penalties for first-time drug offenses in Indiana

Possible penalties for first-time offenses are as follows:

• Possession of under 30 grams of marijuana — Class B misdemeanor; up to 180 days in jail and up to $1,000 fine 
• Possession of more than 30 grams of marijuana — Class A misdemeanor; up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 
• Possession of fewer than 5 grams of a Schedule 1 or II drug (excluding marijuana) — Level 6 felony; up to 30 months in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000

Strong legal support from an attorney with in-depth knowledge of Indiana’s drug laws and legal system, punishments and impacts possession of drugs may be reduced. 

Diversion programs and alternatives for first-time offenders 

First-time offenders do not always get jail time. Pre-trial diversion programs and conditional discharges, offered by prosecutors and the court respectively, allow eligible offenders to complete drug counseling or other conditions to avoid conviction. Our Merrillville drug crimes lawyer will advise you if you may be eligible for such a program and pursue it on your behalf. 

Search and seizure issues in first-time cases 

If police did not have probable cause or legal grounds to stop, search or arrest you, or if they did not have a warrant when one was required, any evidence seized can be deemed inadmissible. We will carefully examine all the circumstances of the search to determine whether your rights were violated and we will take measures to obtain the legal relief available. 

Protecting your record after a first drug arrest 

Even if your charges were dismissed or reduced, they may still show up on background checks, potentially affecting employment opportunities and other areas of your life. If you were arrested but not convicted, a sealing of records can keep them from public view. If you were convicted, an expungement can remove the record. Our firm will help you protect your future by pursuing record sealing or expungement when you qualify after a first drug arrest. 

Building a defense strategy for first-time drug charges

In preparing a defense, we carefully review evidence to determine if there were any rights violations or other irregularities. We look closely at the arrest process and the chain of evidence for possible issues. We may be able to negotiate reduced charges, a dismissal or participation in a diversionary program. 

Contact a Merrillville lawyer skilled in resolving first-time possession cases 

Our drug defense attorney at the Law Office of Weiss, Schmidgall and Hires, P.C., in Merrillville fights for the interests of individuals arrested on first-time drug crime charges in Indiana. Call 219-293-8988 or contact us online to arrange a confidential consultation.