Olathe Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer

Communicative and Accessible Legal Representation to Help You Out of Your Allegations

It is illegal in Kansas to engage in any drug-related activity, from using a controlled substance to possessing one for any other purpose. The Law Offices of Tel Parrett defends Olathe residents against drug-related accusations, which can lead to years in jail and thousands of dollars in fines. I make myself easily accessible to my clients so that they can feel supported every step of the way. I also prioritize effective communication, so you can trust that your defense is being handled appropriately all the way through. I have the years of experience and strategic knowledge of drug crimes defense to readily take on your case and fight for your interests as a defendant.

Schedule a free consultation with The Law Offices of Tel Parrett online to learn more. Defending the accused in Johnson County, including Lenexa, Overland Park, and Shawnee.

Kansas’ Drug Schedules

Illegal drugs are classified into 5 “schedules” in Kansas based on their potential for addiction and whether they have a recognized medical value. Schedule I drugs are the most dangerous for addiction with no medical value, and the subsequent schedules decrease in severity. Some examples of substances in their respective schedules include:

• Schedule I – heroin, LSD, marijuana
• Schedule II – morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, codeine, Adderall
• Schedule III – anabolic steroids, Tylenol with codeine
• Schedule IV – Xanax, Valium, Ambien
• Schedule V – up to 200 milligrams of codeine, up to 100 milligrams of opium per 100 milliliters or 100 grams

Penalties for Possession

Possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription is strictly illegal, and the penalties will vary based on the schedule of the drug:

• Any Schedule I drug – Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,500 in fines and 1 year in jail
• Certain Schedule I, II, III, and IV depressants – Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,500 in fines and 1 year in jail
• Certain Schedule I, II, and III stimulants – Class A misdemeanor
• Hallucinogens in Schedules I, II, or III – Class A misdemeanor
• Anabolic steroids in Schedule III – Class A misdemeanor
• Schedule II opiates, narcotics, and stimulants – Level 4 felony punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and years in prison
• Schedule V substances – Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to $2,500 in fines and 1 year in jail

Additionally, possession of precursors (substances used to manufacture controlled drugs) is a Level 2 felony punishable by up to $300,000 in fines and incarceration. 

The penalties are even more severe if the drug offense involved sale, distribution, or manufacturing. Possession with the intent to sell is also punished more severely than simple possession. An experienced lawyer can better help you assess the sentence you are facing based on the circumstances of your offense.

Marijuana Use in Kansas

Kansas classifies marijuana as a Schedule I substance. Possession, sale, and manufacturing of marijuana are highly regulated under state and federal law, and it is a crime to possess even a small amount of marijuana in Kansas. A first offense for doing so is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and up to 6 months in jail. A second offense is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by $2,500 in fines and up to 1 year in jail, and third and subsequent convictions are level 5 drug felonies punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and 42 months in prison.

Cultivation and distribution of marijuana are felonies punishable based on the amount:

• Distributing less than 25g – Level 4 drug felony punishable by up to $300,000 in fines and up to 51 months in prison
• Distributing 25g-450g or cultivating 4-50 marijuana plants – Level 3 drug felony punishable by up to $300,000 in fines and up to 83 months in prison
• Distributing 450g to 30kg or cultivating 50-100 marijuana plants – Level 2 drug felony punishable by up to $500,000 in fines and 144 months in prison
• Distributing 30kg or more or cultivating 100 or more marijuana plants – Level 1 drug felony punishable by up to $500,000 in fines and up to 204 months in prison

Distributing marijuana within 1,000 feet of a school can enhance the penalties by one severity level. For example, distributing 30g of marijuana, which is a level 3 drug felony, will become a level 2 felony if the offense was committed within 1,000 feet of a school.

If you have been accused of a drug crime in Olathe, contact my firm for a free initial consultation to discuss your defense options. Kansas seriously regulates drug use and possession, let alone severer crimes like manufacturing and sale, so it is best to speak with a legal professional who can help you strategize an effective way out of your dilemma. 

Schedule a free consultation with The Law Offices of Tel Parrett today to get started.