Effective Criminal Defense For All Drug Charges
In every drug case we take, we constantly look at the alleged facts surrounding the officer’s stop, search and investigation. Our goal at Sallee Law, LLC, is to take whatever legal steps are necessary to minimize the impact of your drug charges.
Many drug cases are complex. The police may have violated your rights during the investigation. It may not be clear who owned the drugs if there were any. Sometimes, the admissible evidence is spotty, at best, and the courts will recognize that when they are made to see it.
No matter how complex your drug case is, you have the right to protect yourself. Attorney Todd Sallee has the experience to take on your case. He has been practicing for over 20 years and is a former assistant prosecutor. Moreover, he is from the area and is deeply familiar with the Indianapolis courts, along with many other courts in the state.
Our intervention could make a positive difference in the outcome of your case. It could mean the difference between going to prison and going home to your family. It could mean keeping a felony drug conviction off your criminal record. It could mean minimizing the sentence or eliminating collateral charges.
You have rights and legal options. Call us immediately, day or night, at 317-643-5507 or use our online contact form to set up a free consultation. Mr. Sallee represents the accused in the greater Indianapolis area, including Hendricks, Boone and Hamilton counties, and throughout Indiana.
Breaking Out Of The Revolving Prison Cycle For Drug Charges
Unfortunately, the War on Drugs has been set up to focus mostly on punishing those caught with controlled substances rather than addressing underlying causes like addiction and economic inequality. This has led to a revolving prison door for millions of Americans who serve time in prison and get released without resources, only to get arrested and imprisoned again. Meanwhile, the addiction crisis in Marion County and the rest of Indiana, particularly fentanyl addiction, continues to cost lives.
Diversion programs that give defendants the chance to treat their addiction and avoid prison are available in Indiana. But without proper legal guidance, you might never know if you qualify. As your defense attorney, Todd Sallee will seek every possible avenue to keep you out of jail and the cycle of incarceration. Among the types of drugs his clients are commonly charged over, there are:
- Fentanyl and other opioids
- Other prescription drugs
- Methamphetamines
- Cocaine and crack
- Narcotics
The Danger Of A Repeat Offense Conviction
The law punishes offenders particularly severely if they have a prior drug conviction on their record. Indiana’s “habitual offender” law states that anyone convicted of a felony with two prior “serious” felonies on their record can get a longer prison sentence than the underlying crime calls for. Also, depending on what you are accused of, you could be charged under federal law, which has even tougher punishments than Indiana’s drug laws.
Whether you have a prior record, or whichever level of the law you are charged under, you need sound legal advice. We understand what is at stake for you and your family and will do everything we can to resolve your case fairly.
Drug Crimes Defense For The Indianapolis Area
Defense lawyer Todd Sallee is a former assistant prosecutor who has practiced criminal defense law for the past two decades. His experience on both sides of drug cases helps to gauge the evidence against you and determine the best strategy for your case. He has tried and negotiated every level of drug offense, including:
- Possession of drugs – Marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, prescription narcotics, fentanyl and more
- Drug trafficking – Sales and manufacture, distribution, possession of significant quantity, possession with intent to sell
- Drug-related crimes – Weapon offenses, money laundering, criminal conspiracy
- Driving under the influence of recreational or prescription drugs
Mr. Sallee’s understanding of search and seizure law and the latest cases that are relevant to use for such constitutional challenges makes him a formidable foe for cops and prosecutors. He will research every angle of your case and leave no stone unturned in the quest to challenge the admission of evidence in these types of cases. He continues the quest for new and innovative ways to challenge evidence. Additionally, he helps first-time offenders access drug diversion programs, where possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Crimes
At Sallee Law, LLC, we hear a lot of questions about criminal drug offenses. Here are a few common ones and their answers:
Can the police make me take a drug test?
According to the U.S. Supreme Court, the police cannot compel you to take a blood test without a warrant. In order to get one, the police will need to show a judge probable cause to believe you may have committed a crime, such as by using drugs. However, if, during a lawful stop, police observe substances that appear to be drugs in your possession, they may perform roadside tests on those substances to determine their nature.
When is someone eligible for diversion/rehab in place of jail?
Eligibility for diversion programs often depends on the specifics of your case. Generally, if you are charged with a nonviolent drug-related felony, excluding charges related to drug dealing, and have no history of violent offenses or drug delivery, you may be considered for a drug diversion program. If recommended by your attorney and accepted into the program, you will be assigned a case manager and are required to complete at least 12 months in the program, successfully passing all phases. Successful completion of the program leads to the dismissal of the underlying felony drug charges.
When can the police search a car for drugs?
Police can only search your vehicle under specific conditions. Initially, they need reasonable suspicion of a crime, typically a traffic offense, to pull you over. To search your vehicle further, they must have either a warrant, probable cause to believe a crime has been committed or meet one of the exceptions to these requirements. Exceptions include your consent, exigent circumstances requiring immediate action, a need for self-protection if they believe you may have a hidden weapon, or if you are arrested and the vehicle is taken into custody. It is crucial to understand these conditions to fully comprehend your rights during a traffic stop or any police interaction.
What’s the difference between selling drugs and drug trafficking?
It is really all about quantity and scope. Generally speaking, small sales of illicit substances between two people will probably lead to charges of drug dealing. While still serious, drug dealing usually carries lesser penalties than trafficking charges.
Drug trafficking can involve not just the sale of large quantities of illegal drugs but also their manufacturing, transporting or other forms of distribution. In fact, you can be charged with drug trafficking for being involved with any part of a drug operation or “ring,” not just for being involved in their sale. The larger the quantity of drugs involved in the case, the more likely that the charges will involve trafficking.
When can the police use drug dogs in a search?
In general, the police can use drug dogs during traffic stops if they suspect that there are drugs in the vehicle. It’s not considered a violation of your rights to walk the dog around your vehicle – but the officer cannot subject you to an unreasonable delay based on mere suspicion.
In other words, if the officer who stops your vehicle is part of the K9 unit and has the dog with them, they can use the dog – but they can’t extend the traffic stop to wait for another officer with a drug dog to arrive if that would extend your stop.
What drug crimes are felonies?
In Indiana, the severity of a drug possession charge can greatly depend on several key factors, including the type of controlled substance, the quantity of a drug found in your possession and any prior convictions you have for similar offenses. Many drug possession cases lead to misdemeanors, which carry lesser penalties than felonies. Drug possession of Schedule I or II substances or drug trafficking, however, will generally lead to felony charges.
Is marijuana or “pot” legal in Indiana?
As of 2024, Indiana has yet to legalize the possession of marijuana – even for medicinal purposes. Prosecutors still aggressively pursue charges related to the possession of marijuana.
What happens if you go through drug withdrawal in jail?
Drug withdrawal can lead to serious injury or death. The staff members in jails and prisons are supposed to make sure that prisoners receive appropriate medical care for their conditions – but that does not always happen. Our attorneys can help advocate for your rights so that you receive the care you need.
These Are The Times You Need A Strong Defense. Contact Us Now.
Drug crimes are subject to harsh sentences, including mandatory minimums for some offenses. You cannot afford to plead guilty or cooperate with law enforcement without the advice of an attorney. In fact, any statement – even meant to clear your name – will be used against you in a court of law.
Exercise your right to remain silent and to talk to an attorney. Call Indianapolis drug charge attorney Todd Sallee without delay at 317-643-5507 or contact us online. We look forward to working on your team to fight this battle together.