Oklahoma City's Top Drug Defense Lawyer
Drug crimes are taken seriously by prosecutors in Oklahoma, from simple possession to complex drug trafficking and racketeering schemes. A large percentage of state prisoners in Oklahoma are incarcerated based on drug crimes. Facing drug charges can affect multiple aspects of your life, including your freedom, finances, and your future. Drug charges carry more than a potential prison sentence; they potentially carry heavy fines, difficult probation, and a complex counseling and or treatment program.
Free Resources from OKC Criminal Defense Attorneys:
Have you or a loved one been arrested in Oklahoma City? Are you concerned about your future following arrest in Oklahoma? Our team of Your Fierce Advocates® at Cannon & Associates is led by Army Veteran, John Cannon and we’re privileged to fight for client’s rights and freedom in Oklahoma criminal defense cases. Please review our other FREE RESOURCES until we can answer your specific Oklahoma criminal defense questions:
Have you been charged with a serious crime? Have you been arrested? Got warrants?! Worried about defending those charges or worried about how you can make them go away? Well it doesn’t have to be that way. Serious steps need to be taken to avoid charges from becoming convictions. If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need a defense lawyer right away. A lawyer can stop the police from contacting you directly. If you want to get this resolved so you can go back to living your life, CALL NOW at (405) 972-8604. We’re available 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week to schedule a Free Case Planning Session to understand your options and rights in an Oklahoma criminal case!
The first step to help your criminal drug charges in Oklahoma is to hire an experienced Oklahoma criminal defense attorney. CANNON & ASSOCIATES is dedicated to Fierce Advocacy for those facing criminal drug prosecution. Once you have hired an Oklahoma Criminal Defense Attorney, you can begin to build your defense and tell your story.
Why You Need a Top Defense Lawyer for Drug Trafficking & Other Drug Related Criminal Charges
Unfortunately, the harshest punishment in drug cases is often the lasting effect on your record and career. A conviction may appear on background checks and make it difficult to obtain employment, loans, and professional licenses. It is essential to obtain quality legal representation from an Oklahoma drug crime defense attorney who has helped hundreds of clients obtain the best possible outcome in their particular circumstance.
You need an experienced attorney who will fight for you, if you have been arrested, charged, or you are being investigated. Drug charges in Oklahoma come in many forms, and each case and or charge require a different approach. All the charges can be found in Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes:
- Possession Controlled Dangerous Substance
- Possession Controlled Dangerous Substance within 1000 feet of a school or park
- Possession with Intent to Distribute
- Possession Controlled Dangerous Substance Proceeds
- Trafficking Controlled Dangerous Substances
- Aggravated Trafficking Controlled Dangerous Substance
- Maintaining a Dwelling where Possession with the Intent to Manufacture
- Manufacturing Controlled Dangerous Substances
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Imitation Controlled Dangerous Substance
- Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Dangerous Substance
Prior to July of 2017, you would be charged with a felony for possession even a very small amount of certain controlled substances. This was true, even with no prior criminal record. However, after this update to drug laws in Oklahoma, simple possession in Oklahoma became a misdemeanor offense, even if you have prior felony charges or convictions for possession of drugs. Possession now carries up to one year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine for first time offenders.
Possession with Intent to Distribute drugs is still a felony, which carries prison time. Whenever an individual is arrested with an amount of drugs law enforcement believes is more than an amount for personal use and or the person has drug paraphernalia, such as multiple baggies, a scale, or other items that indicate dividing or selling drugs; a person will likely be arrested and charged with felony possession with intent to distribute. Being charged with this crime is very serious, and in addition to carrying large fines and collateral consequences, a defendant is faced with the potential of up to life in prison even on a first offense.
A commonly known term in drug crimes is trafficking drugs; however, the distinction between drug trafficking and distribution is often unclear to my clients. The primary difference between the two is, in trafficking cases the amount, or weight, of drugs is higher.
Drug Trafficking in Oklahoma City
Drug trafficking in Oklahoma, as is the case in most states, is dependent upon a threshold or minimum amount or weight of drugs that law enforcement believes can be tied directly to a single defendant. The volume amounting to Trafficking for some of the most common drugs is as follows:
- Marijuana: 25 pounds
- Methamphetamine: 20 ounces
- Cocaine: 28 grams
- Heroin: 10 grams
- Ecstasy or MDMA: 10 grams or 30 pills
- Hydrocodone: 3,750 grams
- Oxycodone: 400 grams
- Morphine: 1,000 grams
- LSD or Acid: 1 gram
- Benzodiazepine: 500 grams
The exact penalty for drug trafficking and distribution depends on the specific type of drug and amount or volume of drugs involved. The penalty can include up to life in prison for these offenses and up to half-a-million dollar fine. Click here to learn more specific information about drug trafficking charges and how to fight them.
Distribution
No minimum or maximum amounts are set forth in Oklahoma statutes to quantify distribution of drugs. Rather, it is primarily a totality of the circumstances analysis, meaning if a prosecutor believes you may be sharing drugs or selling drugs then you will be charged with distribution.
Drug Schedules in the United States
All drugs, whether inherently legal or illegal, fall under one of five Drug Schedules determined by the Drug Enforcement Agency of the United States, the DEA. This list includes the most dangerous illegal drugs all the way down to common prescription medicine.
Schedule I: this category of drugs has no “federally accepted” medicinal purpose and has the highest potential for drug abuse. This category includes drugs such as: marijuana, heroin, LSD (acid),MDMA (ecstasy), mushrooms, and many more.
Schedule II: this category of drugs has minimal accepted medical purposes and those that are accepted are highly regulated due to the highly likelihood for abuse of this schedule of drugs, including: cocaine, morphine, codeine, other opioids, other painkillers, and opium.
Schedule III: this category is the middle ground with a moderate risk of abuse and more commonly accepted medical purposes than Schedule II. Some of the drugs falling under Schedule III are hormones, narcotic compounds, anabolic steroids, and barbiturates.
Schedule IV: this category includes drugs with very common medical purposes with little risk of abuse, such as Ambien, Ephedrine, Klonopin, Valium, and Xanax.
Schedule V: this category is reserved for drugs, which the DEA believes has very little likelihood of abuse, i.e. these drugs are not stimulants or depressants and contain a low amounts of narcotics. Another often overlooked and widely contested area of drug defense is possession of drug proceeds. Anything law enforcement believes is purchased from the sale of drugs can be categorized as drug proceeds, including but not limited to the following: homes, cars, motorcycles, televisions, electronics, drug paraphernalia, items used in the creation or storage of drugs, equipment used in the cultivation, production, or transportation of drugs, as well as your money, whether cash or in a bank account.
Drug Proceeds
In order to be charged and convicted of possession of drug proceeds, the prosecution must prove a connection between the item of value and drugs. Specifically, knowingly acquiring, receiving goods, or derived from a violation of the Dangerous Substance Act. These charges are subject to overreach and an experienced defense attorney can hold the government to its burden and help you. As discussed in other pages of this website, the prospect of obtaining a positive result in criminal cases involving drug charges is greatly increased with hiring criminal defense counsel with experience defending drug cases.
Treatment
Additionally, participating in the most appropriate treatment or rehabilitation program, while your case is pending, will increase the likelihood of obtaining a positive outcome in your case. There are a variety of diversion options and treatment programs available for drug offenses. Please visit our page on Diversion Programs in Oklahoma for more information.
What Can Our Drug Defense Lawyers Do if You’re Arrested for Drug Trafficking or Other Drug Crimes in Oklahoma City?
When facing criminal charges in Oklahoma; threatening your future, finances, and freedom, contact CANNON & ASSOCIATES in Oklahoma City for your defense. Our firm will do everything possible to defend your freedom and your future. You have the right to the presumption of innocence and representation by the best criminal defense attorney you can find. Our firm will help you throughout the process and help you reach the best possible outcome in your case, including Diversion Programs. John Cannon is a Fierce Advocate for every client and will use his experience and respected reputation to do everything possible to reach the best possible outcome in your criminal case.
Free Resources from OKC Criminal Defense Attorneys:
Have you or a loved one been arrested in Oklahoma City? Are you concerned about your future following arrest in Oklahoma? Our team of Your Fierce Advocates® at Cannon & Associates is led by Army Veteran, John Cannon and we’re privileged to fight for client’s rights and freedom in Oklahoma criminal defense cases. Please review our other FREE RESOURCES until we can answer your specific Oklahoma criminal defense questions:
Have you been charged with a serious crime? Have you been arrested? Got warrants?! Worried about defending those charges or worried about how you can make them go away? Well it doesn’t have to be that way. Serious steps need to be taken to avoid charges from becoming convictions. If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need a defense lawyer right away. A lawyer can stop the police from contacting you directly. If you want to get this resolved so you can go back to living your life, CALL NOW at (405) 972-8604. We’re available 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week to schedule a Free Case Planning Session to understand your options and rights in an Oklahoma criminal case!
John has been recognized as a Top 40 under 40 in Criminal Defense by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Additionally, he has an outstanding record of reaching the best possible outcome for hundreds of clients accused of the wide variety of criminal charges, as evidenced by receiving the highest possible AVVO rating – 10 (superb).
Contact CANNON & ASSOCIATES today.
YOUR FIERCE ADVOCATES® in:
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More 5-star Reviews Than 99% Of Lawyers In Oklahoma
"John has shown nothing but compassion and professional guidance in my case. He truly cares about his clients and is exceptionally understanding when it comes to any case he is representing. He communicates genuinely as well as in a timely matter. If I were able to give his firm any more than 5 stars, I most definitely would. He is incredible."
"John Cannon is an awesome attorney. He is very professional and honest. He really cares about his clients. John always gets back to you quickly to answer any questions you have regarding your case. I highly recommend CANNON & ASSOCIATES for any legal needs you may have."
"John Cannon has helped me through the hardest time in my life. He helped me through my divorce and custody case. He truly cares about his clients and it made me so happy he always put my daughter first and wanted what was in her best interest as a child. He is very sharp and resourceful and he has been very attentive and responsive to my needs, John is very polite and professional and he always has a great attitude. John always took the time to go over everything and explain everything in depth. I've enjoyed working with John and his team and would recommend him to other clients."
"I have known John for about 6 years now in his capacity as a Judge Advocate and a civilian attorney. John has a rare blend of both sharp analytical and interpersonal skills. I have seen John achieve positive outcomes for clients in complex scenarios and If you need an attorney who can do the same for you - this is your guy."
"John did a very good job. Although the outcome was not 100% what we expected(strange judgement) it was overall positive. I would, have and will continue to recommended him. Although I certainly hope to not need his services again in the capacity I hired him for I would not hesitate to call if I do. Thanks John"
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"John is a highly respected attorney. Professional and compassionate. He has a wealth of knowledge, being a military officer and having served as an Assistant District Attorney, a Public Defender, and an Assistant Attorney General. He helped a friend's son who was headed down the wrong path, but through John's legal defense the young man is now a successful business owner."
"John is a very professional attorney, who is not only concerned about the welfare of his client but very attentive and considerate of the family, or other bodies that are in the face of the adversity. While working on my family members case, John took time out to take a class that would educate him on how to approach the many different types of cases tried in the court room. John proved his sincerity to the calling of his job, being an attorney. I would definitely recommend him to anyone."
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"John Cannon is an excellent attorney. He takes sincere interest in your needs. He maintains communication and provides all the information you might want to fully understand the legal process. He also suggests alternative resolutions to your legal needs so that you can make informed choices. I definitely recommend John."
"My experience with CANNON & ASSOCIATES was absolutely amazing. I hired John Cannon two days before my rebuttal statement was due back to the Staff Judge Advocate. Within that time frame he was able to talk to my Battery and Battalion Commanders, review my evidence, and help me write a rebuttal statement that help prove my case to them, the Brigade Commander and the Post Commanding General. Cannon worked thru the night to help me get the best results for me and my family. Due to his hard work and attention to detail I am still able to continue to serve my country and progress in my military career with no adverse actions on my record. I can not thank him enough on a job well done. Cannon showed me that he was invested in my case and I highly recommend you hire him when you need someone to represent you in a legal matter."
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"Hands down the best lawyer. Mr.Cannon accepted my case and got on it the same day. I would give him 10 stars if I could. I really appreciate the dedication on how he handles things with a short time frame."
"Mr. Cannon has represented me on 2 criminal cases and one civil case over the past 4 years. He has always served me honestly, speedily and with good moral direction. John has integrity and humility. He has never belittled me or treated me in an unfair manor. I appreciate all that he has done for me and I most certainly recommend him to family, strangers and friends. I will definitely use Mr. Cannon in the future for any and all of my family's legal matters."
"Mr. Cannon went above and beyond for my wife. She was facing some pretty hard fines and prison time with the US Marshalls. Mr. Cannon fought a hard fight and got her a GREAT offer. Words cannot express how much I appreciate him and what he did for my wife. I would give 10 stars and I will be promoting him. He's that awesome. He keeps you informed, he will text or call you back, and he goes above what he is asked to do and I can reassure you"HE WILL FIGHT FOR YOU OR YOUR FAMILY MEMBER". I will continue retaining him for other things my wife is battling. High five and a great big hug to Mr. Cannon. Thank you!!!"
"I had a great experience with John. He is very personable and helped me a lot. I’m really grateful I found him. He made me feel confident that he was the right lawyer for my case and that he wasn’t trying to sell me but genuinely just wanted to help me. I would highly recommend John to anyone!"
"Working with Mr. Cannon has been a real life-saving experience for me and my family. He provides the knowledge of the possibilities as soon as he can get them, then works tirelessly to ensure that any concerns or questions are addressed immediately. He has been a great asset to us not only in the face of legal troubles, but in providing a sense of security that is truly reassuring in the face of the uncertain.Mr. Cannon has been a great resource and has been very patient with me. From the start he provided a list of things to do that would help me help him with my case and since the beginning has continued to give advice or suggestions on any matter that has bothered me with my situation, large or small. He is gentle, yet realistic, and this combination really does become a rock in tumultuous times such as these.I would highly recommend Mr. Cannon to anyone who needs a vigilant and committed attorney, especially one that stands by your side until your issue is resolved. He goes above and beyond not only to work, but to care for his clients!"
"John Cannon assisted me through a very difficult time in my military career. He worked tirelessly with me on my case and kept me informed during the entire process. I can't say enough good things about Mr. Cannon. He's incredibly knowledgeable with regards to military justice. The outcome of my case was successful and I attribute that to Mr. Cannon's professionalism and expertise in dealing with military law. I highly recommend Mr. Cannon to anyone with military justice or criminal defense needs."