![]() The lower level punishments for mere possession of cocaine charge can range from automatic probation up to five years in prison. ![]() How a defendant is charged will influence the penalty ranges. Secured with SHA-256 Encryption How Penalties are Determined in Possession of Cocaine Cases The higher the purity level of the cocaine, the more likely a defendant is to be charged in the federal system, rather than the state system. Purity level can also influence whether or not the federal government will take the charges. As the cocaine is distributed, it is “cut” or diluted by dealers who add powdered ingredients (such as baking soda) to the powdered cocaine to increase the bulk of the product and thus turn a higher profit.īecause a higher purity level is at least some indication that someone is closer to the original source of distribution, the purity level can increase a defendant’s sentencing. When a package of cocaine is first introduced into the “supply chain” of the drug world, it has a higher degree of purity. Some states call this with intent to distribute.Īnother factor that can influence a cocaine charge is the purity of the cocaine. If a defendant possesses several small baggies or several crack rocks that look like they have been prepared or packaged for distribution, then the prosecution may increase the punishment range of the charge by alleging that the person possessed the cocaine with intent to deliver. Cocaine can be distributed in several forms, such as in crack rocks (pieces of cocaine) or in powdered form in small baggies. ![]() Most defendants only worry about the weight of the substance, however, packaging and purity can also influence how a person is charged. The higher the weight, the higher the degree of felony a person can be charged with. From there, the weight categories are broken into degrees. Less than a gram, which is smaller than a sugar packet, will result in the lowest level of felony. Most states categorize possession of cocaine charges first by weight. How States Categorize Possession of Cocaine Charges
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