Drug charges in Wisconsin are serious business!

Despite the growing acceptance of some drugs in other states, Wisconsin remains a fairly harsh judge of substance abuse. Drug charges in Wisconsin can be misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the drug involved, the amount found, and the apparent intent of the person in possession of the drug. No matter the specific circumstances, however, you don’t want a drug conviction on your record — and if you find yourself facing one now, you need to know if there are ways to reduce the potential penalties.

Intent Can Make Things Worse

The law treats simple possession of a drug and intent to sell quite differently. With a simple possession charge of a drug that is not considered a Schedule I or II narcotic, your charges and possible penalties could be relatively minor, albeit still ones you want to reduce as much as possible. However, if prosecutors think they can prove you had the intent to sell the drug, that changes everything. The charges you face could be intensified, and your potential punishments would certainly increase in severity. If you were caught with drugs, it would be imperative to prove that you were not planning to distribute or sell them.

Drug Type Plays a Role in the Charges

Schedule I and II are federal designations created by the DEA to classify drugs; there are five “schedules” in total. Schedule I and II drugs include drugs like heroin, LSD, and ephedrine when not used in over-the-counter medications. Possession of these drugs, even without intent to sell, can result in fines and imprisonment. Fines can range from $1,000 to $5,000 for first-time offenses alone, depending on the drug, which can be difficult for many to pay.

If you’re facing drug charges and need legal representation, contact Eisenberg Law Offices at 608-256-8356. You must speak with an attorney as soon as possible to start working on ways to reduce your charges and any penalties.