Penalties for drug-related crimes in Madison, Wisconsin vary depending on the exact violations defined by state statutes. Penalties for possession of schedule I and II controlled substance narcotics (marijuana, ecstasy, LSD, and others) can reach maximum penalties of $10,000 and/or 3.5 years in prison, while penalties for distribution of schedule I and II controlled substance narcotics are punishable by fines up to $100,000 and/or 40 years in prison. 

If you are facing drug charges in Madison, call Grieve Law's criminal defense attorneys for a free case consultation. 

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Cocaine Possession & Distribution Charges in Madison

Cocaine possession in Madison, Wisconsin, is a criminal offense punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $5,000 fine for a first offense. Felony charges and enhanced penalties apply for repeat offenses, larger quantities and intent to distribute.

Cocaine is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning possession or distribution leads to serious penalties. A second offense becomes a Class I felony with a maximum penalty of 3.5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Distribution charges range from Class G to Class C felonies based on quantity, with a maximum of 40 years in prison and $100,000 in fines. If the offense occurs within 1,000 feet of a school, an additional 3-year mandatory minimum applies.

Grieve Law attorneys look closely at how the cocaine was discovered and whether the stop, search or seizure violated your rights. We challenge the prosecution’s timeline, quantity claims and intent assumptions to reduce or dismiss your charges.

Heroin Charges in Madison

Possession of heroin in Madison is charged as a Class I felony with a maximum penalty of 3.5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Selling heroin is a Class F felony punishable by up to 12.5 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Wisconsin courts treat heroin cases aggressively. Law enforcement and prosecutors often push for maximum sentences, especially when the case involves suspected distribution or prior offenses. Judges also consider community risk and media pressure, which makes it even more important to have experienced legal representation.

Grieve Law investigates the legality of the traffic stop, search, and questioning. If any part of the arrest process violated your rights, we will move to suppress the evidence and get your heroin charges reduced or dismissed.

Penalties for LSD Possession in Madison

LSD possession in Madison, Wisconsin, is charged as a Class I felony, with penalties of up to 3.5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Intent to distribute increases the charge to a Class F felony with a maximum penalty of 12.5 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

LSD-related charges often include additional consequences such as mandatory treatment fees, property forfeiture or federal student aid disqualification. Even if you did not intend to sell, prosecutors may try to use text messages or packaging as evidence of distribution.

Our attorneys evaluate the legality of your stop and search, ownership of the drugs and whether the state has enough evidence to prove intent. We build strategic defenses to minimize penalties or dismiss the LSD possession or distribution charge outright.

Prescription Drug Charges in Madison

Unlawful possession of prescription drugs in Madison, Wisconsin, can result in a $5,000 fine and up to 1 year in jail for a first offense. Subsequent offenses or possession of narcotics can lead to felony charges and harsher penalties.

Prescription medications like Adderall, Xanax, Oxycodone, and Ambien are all classified under various controlled substance schedules. Possession without a valid prescription, especially of Schedule I or II narcotics, is typically charged as a Class I felony, with penalties of up to 3.5 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. Even non-narcotic prescriptions such as steroids or certain sleep aids can carry misdemeanor penalties, mandatory surcharges, and loss of driving privileges. Possession near a school or public park may trigger mandatory community service.

Grieve Law attorneys look into search procedures, prescription legitimacy, and surrounding circumstances when fighting prescription drug charges. Whether the drug belonged to someone else or your rights were violated, we build defenses to reduce or eliminate the charges.

Maintaining a Drug Trafficking Place in Madison

Maintaining a drug trafficking place in Wisconsin is a Class I felony punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a $25,000 fine. Prosecutors often file this charge alongside possession or intent to distribute.

A person can face a drug trafficking place charge if they knowingly allow a home, vehicle or other property to be used for storing, using or manufacturing controlled substances. This includes anything from marijuana and cocaine to heroin or methamphetamine. The law applies whether the property is yours or simply under your control. Drug trafficking cases often involve additional charges, which significantly increase exposure to prison time and fines.

We examine search warrants, surveillance tactics, and witness credibility when defending against drug trafficking place charges. If police overstepped or charged you based on someone else’s actions, our attorneys move to suppress evidence and break apart the prosecution’s case.

Madison Controlled Substance Charges

Possession of a controlled substance in Madison ranges from a misdemeanor with a $1,000 fine to a Class C felony with a 40-year prison term, depending on the drug, quantity and any intent to distribute.

Wisconsin classifies controlled substances into five schedules under the Controlled Substances Act. Penalties increase based on abuse potential, whether the drug has accepted medical use and how it was obtained or stored:

• Schedule I: No accepted medical use, high potential for abuse
  Examples: heroin, LSD, marijuana, ecstasy
• Schedule II: Limited medical use, high potential for dependence
  Examples: cocaine, methamphetamine, OxyContin, Adderall
• Schedule III: Moderate to low potential for dependence
  Examples: anabolic steroids, testosterone, ketamine
• Schedule IV: Lower risk of abuse or dependence
  Examples: Xanax, Valium, Ambien, Tramadol
• Schedule V: Lowest risk; limited quantities of narcotics
  Examples: cough syrups with codeine, Lyrica, Motofen

Though first-time possession may be charged as a misdemeanor, but repeat offenses and possession with intent to deliver are almost always felonies. Controlled substance charges can also trigger loss of driving privileges and mandatory drug treatment fees.

If the drugs weren’t yours or if officers violated your rights during the search, our attorneys will seek to suppress evidence. We fight to reduce felony charges to simple possession or get your case thrown out altogether.

Schedule I Drug Possession & Dealing Penalties

Schedule I drugs are substances classified under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in the United States as having a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision. Schedule I drugs are considered highly dangerous and have a high potential for abuse and addiction.

1st Offense Schedule I Drug Possession

Possessing a Schedule I drug for the first time in Madison, Wisconsin results in substantial penalties. The maximum penalty for a first-time offense of Schedule I drug possession is a fine of up to $1,000 and a misdemeanor. It is essential to note the penalties vary based on the specific drug, the quantity possessed and individual circumstances. For individuals facing a first-time schedule I drug possession charge, it is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney who provides guidance and explores potential defense strategies. In some cases, rehabilitation and diversion programs may be available as an alternative to fines. Rehabilitation programs also help the probability of wiping the charge from your permanent record.

Subsequent Schedule I Drug Possession

Repeat offenses for Schedule I drug possession in Madison, Wisconsin, carry harsher penalties. If you are caught in possession of a Schedule I drug for a second or subsequent time, you face a maximum of up to $10,000 in fines and 3.5 years in prison. While the exact penalties vary, individuals with prior convictions for drug possession expect longer periods of imprisonment and more substantial fines. In such cases, it becomes even more critical to seek legal counsel to navigate the legal system effectively and explore potential options for rehabilitation and diversion.

Distributing or Selling Schedule I Drugs

The penalties for drug dealing are severe, with the potential for lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. For those convicted of distributing Schedule I drugs, the maximum penalty is up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. Individuals facing drug distribution charges should consult with a skilled criminal defense attorney immediately. Our expert attorneys will review the specifics of the case, challenge evidence and explore potential defenses to minimize the impact of the charges.

Common Schedule I Drugs

• Heroin (diacetylmorphine)
• LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide)
• Marijuana (cannabis, THC)
• Mescaline (Peyote)
• GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid)
• Ecstasy (MDMA or 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine)
• Psilocybin ("magic mushrooms")
• Synthetic marijuana and analogs (Spice, K2)
• Methaqualone (Quaalude)
• Khat (Cathinone, Cathine)
• Bath Salts (3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone or MDPV)

Schedule II Drug Possession & Dealing Penalties

Schedule II drugs are substances classified under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) in the United States as having a high potential for abuse, a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions and a high likelihood of severe psychological or physical dependence. Schedule II drugs are considered dangerous, and their use, possession and distribution are tightly regulated. Schedule II drugs include various prescription medications and controlled substances.

1st Offense Schedule II Drug Possession

Possessing a Schedule II drug for the first time in Madison, Wisconsin, carries severe consequences. Schedule II drugs include potent medications and controlled substances, such as opioid painkillers like OxyContin and stimulants like Adderall. The maximum penalty for a first-time offense of Schedule II drug possession is a fine of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for up to 3.5 years. It's essential to recognize the penalties vary depending on the specific drug, the quantity involved and individual circumstances.

Subsequent Schedule II Drug Possession

Repeat offenses for Schedule II drug possession in Madison, Wisconsin, result in increased penalties. If someone is caught in possession of a schedule II drug for a second or subsequent time, the consequences become more severe. Specifically, the maximum fine increases to up to $10,000 for subsequent offenses. While the exact penalties for subsequent offenses vary, individuals with prior convictions for drug possession should expect longer periods of imprisonment and more substantial fines. In such cases, it becomes even more critical to consult with an attorney who navigates the legal system effectively and explores potential options for rehabilitation and diversion.

Distributing or Selling Schedule II Drugs

Distributing or selling Schedule II drugs is a grave offense in Madison, Wisconsin, and carries severe consequences. The penalties for drug dealing are especially harsh, with the potential for lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. For those convicted of distributing schedule II drugs, the maximum penalty is up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Common Schedule II Drugs

• Cocaine
• Opium
• PCP
• Codeine
• Adderall
• Fentanyl
• Hydromorphone
• Meperidine
• Methadone
• Morphine
• Oxycodone
• Dextroamphetamine
• Methylphenidate
• Methamphetamine

Trust Grieve Law Attorneys if You are Charged with Drug Possession in Dane County

Trust Grieve Law Attorneys if you are charged with drug possession in Dane County. Grieve Law has award-winning criminal defense attorneys in Madison, known for our exceptional track record in successfully reducing or dismissing drug charges. With a deep understanding of Wisconsin's legal landscape and a commitment to protecting clients' rights, Grieve Law's seasoned attorneys employ a comprehensive approach to each case. We meticulously examine evidence, challenge procedural errors and leverage our legal expertise to advocate for the best possible outcome. When facing the complex and serious ramifications of drug possession charges in Dane County, Grieve Law Attorneys stand as a reliable and proven choice to navigate the legal system with skill and dedication. Don’t let confusing jargon and the intricacies of the law prevent you from getting the defense you need. Whether this is your 1st offense for cocaine possession, 1st offense DUI, or any other charge related to drugs and alcohol, Tom Grieve will customize a strategic defense to help you beat the charges.

 

Drug possession is a serious crime with heavy financial consequences & the potential to put you behind bars for months or even years. It’s important to hire qualified, competent attorneys who have experience with drug-related offenses in Wisconsin.

You are only guilty if you are convicted™ 

CONTACT OUR MADISON DRUG POSSESSION ATTORNEYS NOW TO SET UP YOUR FREE CONSULTATION ON MISDEMEANOR OR FELONY DRUG POSSESSION CHARGES.