Drug Crimes in Oklahoma

Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking is one of the most serious drug charges under Oklahoma law. Oklahoma’s Trafficking in Illegal Drugs Act applies to certain controlled substances when the alleged conduct and quantity meet the statutory requirements. The law includes substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, benzodiazepines, and others.

Drug Distribution

Distribution charges may arise when someone is accused of knowingly or intentionally distributing or dispensing a controlled dangerous substance.

These cases may involve allegations of direct sales, undercover investigations, confidential informants, electronic communications, surveillance, or drugs and other evidence found in a search.

Possession With Intent to Distribute

Law enforcement does not necessarily need to witness a drug sale for someone to be accused of possession with intent to distribute. Oklahoma’s drug laws prohibit possessing a controlled dangerous substance with the intention to manufacture, distribute, or dispense it.

Prosecutors may attempt to establish intent using the amount of drugs involved, packaging material, scales, cash, or other evidence around the alleged drug possession.

Drug Manufacturing

Manufacturing charges generally involve allegations that a person participated in the production, preparation, processing, or manufacturing of a controlled dangerous substance.

These investigations may involve searching homes or other property, equipment, chemicals, surveillance, electronic communications, or other evidence connected to the production of drugs.

Prescription Drug Charges

Prescription medications can also lead to criminal charges. Oklahoma law generally prohibits knowingly or intentionally possessing a controlled dangerous substance unless authorized by law or obtained through a valid prescription.

Prescription drug cases may involve unlawful possession, distribution, prescription fraud, or other criminal conduct involving medical professionals.

Federal Drug Charges

Some drug cases are prosecuted in federal court instead of Oklahoma state court. Federal investigations may involve agencies like the DEA, FBI, or other law enforcement agencies and can come from allegations involving large-scale distribution, interstate activity, organized drug operations, or other violations of federal drug laws.

Federal cases involve different processes, procedures, and sentencing. It is important to understand which specific government agency is investigating the case and where the charges may be filed.

Drug Proceeds

Oklahoma law also prohibits certain conduct involving money or proceeds known to have come from illegal drug activity. This can include knowingly receiving or acquiring and concealing drug proceeds, conducting certain transactions involving those proceeds, or engaging in transactions to conceal their nature or source. In Oklahoma, violating the drug proceeds statute is classified as a C2 felony.

Maintaining a Dwelling Where Drugs Are Used or Sold

Drug charges may also apply where a house, building, or other property is connected to illegal drug activity. The prosecution may rely on evidence proving who controlled or maintained the property, what allegedly occurred there, how frequently it occurred, and what the accused person knew about the activity.

The consequences of an Oklahoma drug conviction can vary significantly based on specific offense. The type and quantity of the substance, the alleged conduct, prior convictions, and other circumstances may all influence the potential punishment.

Depending on the charge, potential consequences may include:

• Jail or prison
• Fines and court costs
• Probation or supervision
• Drug treatment or other requirements
• Forfeiture of certain money or property
• Firearm restrictions following felony convictions
• Employment or licensing consequences
• Other consequences associated with felony conviction

The full extent of potential consequences and range of punishment are dependent on the specific charge.