Charged with a Drug Crime in Utah? Here’s What to Expect

In Utah, all drug offenses are serious and treated as such. What you can expect after an arrest will depend on the type and quantity of the drug involved, as well as the alleged crime, which can range from a simple possession charge to the sale, distribution, and trafficking of illegal drugs. You may also face misdemeanor or felony charges, both of which impact your freedom and future prospects.

Marijuana

Unlike nearby states such as California and Colorado, Utah has strict marijuana laws, and if you are found with any quantity of cannabis on you, you will almost certainly be arrested. This is an especially traumatizing situation for visitors from out of state who have a prescription to use marijuana to treat a health condition.

Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony will depend on how much marijuana was found in your possession. Possession of less than 100 lbs is technically a Class B misdemeanor, which can send you to jail for up to six months and require you to pay a $1000 fine. You could still be charged with a second degree felony, however, if the quantity is deemed to be too high for personal use. Selling any amount of marijuana is a second-degree felony that can result in five years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.

Prescription Drugs

Recreational use of prescription drugs such as antidepressants and painkillers has exploded in recent years, so Utah law enforcement agencies are cracking down hard on prescription drug offenses. If you are caught in possession of drugs such as codeine, ketamine, and hydrocodone, you can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor as a first offender. This means that even if you accept a prescription painkiller from a sympathetic friend to treat a headache, you could go to jail for up to six months.

If you are charged with possessing illegal prescription drugs for the purposes of selling or otherwise profiting from them, you could face prosecution for a third-degree felony, which is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Schedule I and II Drugs

In Utah, Schedule I and II drugs include heroin, cocaine, morphine, opium, and methamphetamines. Even possession of these substances can result in third degree felony charges. If the authorities believe that you intend to distribute the drugs, you will be charged with a second degree felony, which can send you to prison for up to 15 years and require you to pay a $10,000 fine.

A conviction for any Utah drug offense will cause you to lose your driver’s license for at least six months. Even if you don’t go to jail, you will have a criminal record that can severely limit your school and career options, prevent you from getting certain types of professional licenses, and bar access to public benefits.

With so much hanging in the balance, the first thing you need to do if charged with a drug offense is call a Utah criminal defense attorney. The team at Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins has years of experience in defending drug charges, and will work tirelessly to minimize and even eliminate the impact of the arrest and its after-effects on your future.

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Wyatt German
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Deven Coggins and his paralegal Holly Ranger have done a great job helping me through my whole custody battle. I am a person that would rather get told the truth than just do whatever and go blindly. Deven, always gave his honest opinion and was not afraid to be straight forward. He had my best interest the whole time and fought very hard for me and always keeping our integrity intact. In that results as we stand I have full custody of my daughter. Highly recommend these two to anyone wanting a no Bs kind of lawyer.
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Madison Jones
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I’m beyond thankful for the exceptional service I received from Brian Arnold. From day one, he showcased a deep understanding of family law and a clear commitment to my case. What truly stood out, however, was his remarkable ability to negotiate with the opposing counsel and secure an incredibly favorable resolution when it seemed like a tough situation. Throughout the process, Brian was thorough, transparent, and always kept me updated. He balanced assertiveness with empathy, ensuring that my needs were met without unnecessary stress or conflict. Thanks to Brian's negotiation expertise, we were able to avoid a prolonged legal battle and achieved a result that was far beyond what I had hoped for. I’m so relieved and pleased with the outcome. If you need a family law attorney who is not only skilled but also genuinely dedicated to achieving the best possible result for you, I can’t recommend Brian Arnold and his team enough. You’ll be in excellent hands.
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I can’t thank Brian Arnold enough for the support and guidance during my divorce. From the beginning, him and his staff worked tirelessly to find a resolution that was fair and in my best interest, without the need to go to court. Their expertise in negotiation and mediation was evident, and they made what could have been a stressful and contentious process much smoother. If you’re looking for a divorce attorney who can handle things efficiently and effectively without the added stress of courtroom battles, I highly recommend Brian Arnold and the Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins legal team.
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I couldn’t have asked for a better team during a challenging time in my life. Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins and its staff provided expert legal advice and compassionate support throughout the entire process. They were clear, responsive, and always had my best interests at heart. Their professionalism and empathy made a difficult situation much easier to navigate. Highly recommend them if you’re looking for top-notch legal representation.
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Alyssa Leigh
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I can’t thank Brian Arnold and his team enough for their support during my highly contested divorce. From the very beginning, they were professional, understanding, and extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of the case. The process was emotionally draining and complicated, but Brian and the team guided me every step of the way, making sure I understood my options and what to expect. Despite the challenges, they were able to negotiate a favorable settlement that protected my rights and helped me move forward with confidence. I always felt like they had my best interests at heart, and their attention to detail was impressive. If you’re facing a tough divorce, I highly recommend Brian Arnold and the Arnold, Wadsworth & Coggins team. They made a difficult time much easier to navigate, and I’m truly grateful for their expertise and support.
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I’m very pleased with the service I received from Brian Arnold in handling my traffic citation. Brian quickly assessed my case, provided clear guidance, and worked efficiently to have the citation reduced, saving me both time and money. Brian and his staff kept me informed throughout the process and handled everything with professionalism. If you’re dealing with a traffic citation and want a hassle-free resolution, I highly recommend Brian Arnold.
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Jennifer McClellan
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I cannot recommend Arnold Wadsworth & Coggins enough. I was facing a serious and complex legal matter, and the team at Arnold Wadsworth & Coggins provided exceptional support every step of the way. Their expertise, professionalism, and clear communication helped me navigate a difficult situation with confidence. They were responsive, thorough, and truly dedicated to achieving the best outcome. Thanks to their hard work and strategic approach, I was able to reach a resolution that far exceeded my expectations. If you're dealing with a serious legal issue, Arnold Wadsworth & Coggins is the firm you want on your side. They combine expert legal knowledge with compassionate client care, making them stand out in their field.
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Jack Carver
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Brian Arnold helped me with my criminal case. He got me a plea in abeyance and the charge expunged so it's no longer on my record. Brian is an amazing attorney and I definitely recommend working with him.

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