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Possession of Spice, Synthetic Drugs Carries Harsher Penalties Than Marijuana

synthetic marijuana imageSynthetic drugs are manufactured to mimic the high of traditional drugs, such as marijuana and ecstasy, when smoked or ingested. Common names for synthetic drugs include spice, K2, incense, potpourri, and bath salts, which can be purchased through stores and online retailers.
 
Some may perceive that drugs created in a lab are safer than drugs found on the street. However, the hospitalizations and deaths across the US resulting from the use of synthetic drugs have caused the Indiana legislature and local law enforcement to respond.

With the overhaul of the criminal code in 2014, the penalties for possessing synthetic drugs are now harsher than the penalties for possessing marijuana.
 
 
Local law enforcement have aggressively targeted the possession of synthetic marijuana and other drugs. However, to obtain a conviction for misdemeanor or felony possession, the State must prove the person knew what the substance was and intended to possess it. If not, possession of synthetic drugs is reduced to a Class B infraction.
 
Crawfordsville, Montgomery County Attorneys Defend Charges of Possession of Synthetic Marijuana and Other Drugs
 
If you’ve been arrested for possession of synthetic drugs in Crawfordsville, an experienced criminal defense attorney can review the facts of your case to determine if you have a viable defense according to Indiana law. Did you knowingly and intentionally possess the substance? If you were driving, was the traffic stop initiated legally? If you were searched, did police have a lawful reason to pat you down or search your belongings? The attorneys at our Lafayette, IN office have significant experience defending clients in the Crawfordsville and Montgomery County area. Call Gibson Law Office at 765-742-8440 for a free initial consultation either over the phone or in person with one of our experienced criminal attorneys.