In Vermont, criminal defendants facing cocaine charges could incur serious penalties. The individuals who they sell or deliver the controlled substance to could determine the classification of their crime. Criminal defense lawyers in Vermont provide a defense for defendants facing the cocaine charges.
Cocaine Laws and Charges
State Code 18, Section 4231 defines possession, sale, and trafficking of cocaine as illegal in the state. As defined under possession laws, the punishment for two and a half grams of cocaine is one year in prison with a $2,000 fine. Possession of between two and a half grams and one ounce of the drug is punished by five years in prison and a fine of $100,000. The possession of any quantity over one ounce is punishable by ten years in prison and a fine of $250,000. A defendant that receives more than one conviction faces double the penalties for the identified possession offense.
Delivery, Sale or Trafficking of Cocaine
The delivery of cocaine to a client is punishable by three years and with a fine of $75,000. The sale of the controlled substance incurs a prison sentence of five years and a fine of $100,000. A defendant that sales and delivers the drug incurs a prison sentence of twenty years with a fine of $1 million. Trafficking any quantity that is at least one hundred-fifty grams incurs a prison sentence of thirty years and a fine of $1 million.
Additional Offenses Related to Cocaine
Any individual who sells or delivers drugs to a school or to a minor face a prison sentence of no more than ten years. The fine for the offense is $25,000. Trafficking charges for crack cocaine incur the same penalties as trafficking cocaine.
In Vermont, cocaine charges are based on the quantity and what the defendant does with the controlled substance. The classifications for the offenses are defined as possession, sale, or trafficking. The type of offense and the age of the defendant’s customer could determine the extent of their penalties. Defendants who need a clear defense can contact criminal defense lawyers in Vermont or visit the website for information about scheduling an appointment today.
