In the state of Oregon, heroin offenses are treated very seriously. You face severe penalties if convicted of heroin possession, penalties that can affect your life in a major way. But you don’t have to face charges like these alone—we may be able to help.
Heroin is a highly addictive drug. It’s because of this that many lawmakers and those within the criminal justice system see it as a risk factor for other criminal behavior. Because of this, heroin possession is penalized more severely than possession of other drugs, like cocaine.
When you are accused of possessing heroin, you will likely be treated like an addict and will experience people passing judgment on you long before your day in court.
Oregon Heroin Possession Penalties
Heroin is classified as a Schedule I drug. This means it has the highest risk for abuse and is therefore punished the most severely. Possession of heroin is considered a Class B Felony charge, which means a conviction will make you a convicted felon.
The maximum allowable penalty for heroin possession under Oregon law is up to 10 years in prison and $100,000 in fines. Whether you are caught with a relatively small amount or not doesn’t matter—you can be sentenced to this maximum penalty if the judge determines it is appropriate.
Sentencing Alternatives for Heroin Possession in Oregon
Plea Bargains
Most heroin possession cases result in a plea bargain. This is where you and your attorney compromise with the prosecution in order to come up with a mutually beneficial agreement. Typically you are required to plead guilty in exchange for a more lenient sentence.
The specifics of your plea agreement will depend on the facts of your case and your criminal history. Some plea agreements avoid all jail time, while others require a few weeks in jail followed by a period of probation.
Drug Courts
Oregon drug courts are set up to assist people accused of drug crimes in getting the help they need to stay away from drugs altogether. These programs are not easy and require some serious effort. However, they avoid jail time and allow you to receive drug treatment if that’s something you desire.
Oregon Heroin Charge Defense Strategies
No two cases are the same. Perhaps you are completely innocent of the accusations against you. If that is so, you want an attorney willing to fight the charges aggressively. From challenging the evidence against you to the arrest that brought you to this point, your attorney should tirelessly advocate for your best interest.
If you are accused of heroin possession, contact our offices today for a free consultation.