What's the difference between possession and possession with intent to deliver?

Simple possession means having drugs for personal use, while intent to deliver involves larger quantities, packaging materials, scales, or other evidence suggesting you planned to sell or distribute the drugs.

Can I get my drug charges dismissed in Arkansas?

Yes, through various defense strategies, including challenging illegal searches, questioning evidence handling, negotiating with prosecutors, or qualifying for pretrial diversion programs that lead to dismissal upon completion.

Will I go to jail for a first-time drug possession charge?

Not necessarily, first-time offenders may qualify for suspended sentences, probation, drug court, or other alternatives to incarceration, especially with strong legal representation.

How long do drug convictions stay on my record in Arkansas?

Drug convictions remain on your criminal record permanently unless you qualify for expungement, which typically requires waiting several years after completing your sentence with no additional offenses.

What should I do if the police want to search my car for drugs?

You have the right to refuse consent to a search, and you should politely but clearly say you do not consent. However, officers may still search if they have probable cause or a warrant.

Drug Crimes Defense Attorney in Fayetteville, AR

If you’ve been arrested for a drug crime in Arkansas, you’re probably terrified about going to jail. You’re worried about losing your job, your kids, your home. But drug charges don’t automatically mean prison time, and there are ways to fight back.

Attorney Tyler Entz has helped to reduce or dismiss charges, has kept clients out of jail and helped them move on with their lives. At Arkansas Family and Criminal Lawyers, our job is to find those weak points and use them to get your charges reduced or dismissed. The earlier we start working on your case, the better your chances will be. Whether you’re facing possession charges or something more serious, we know how to build a defense that protects your future. The sooner you call, the more options we have to protect your future.

Arkansas Family and Criminal Lawyers is located at 1725 S Smoke House Trail, Fayetteville, AR 72701, in the historic Smoke House area just beneath Kessler Mountain. Our office is easy to reach with convenient parking nearby. If you’re coming from I-49, take the MLK Jr. Boulevard exit and head west toward Kessler Mountain.

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Understanding Drug Crimes & Arkansas Law

Arkansas prosecutes drug offenses in several different categories, and penalties can vary significantly based on the substance involved, the alleged amount, and the facts of the case.

Possession charges may apply when law enforcement alleges drugs were found on your person, in your vehicle, or in your home. Penalties can increase if the State alleges intent to deliver or distribute, which is typically based on factors like quantity, packaging, cash, text messages, scales, or other surrounding circumstances.

Manufacturing charges can involve producing controlled substances or cultivating certain plants. Trafficking and large-quantity cases can carry especially serious penalties. Some cases may also draw federal interest depending on the allegations and agencies involved, but many are handled entirely in Arkansas state court.

Fayetteville Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer Arkansas uses a schedule system to classify controlled substances, and higher-schedule substances generally carry more severe penalties. Lower-schedule offenses can still have serious consequences, including a criminal record. Prescription drug cases can also result in charges, especially when the State alleges a prescription was not valid, was obtained improperly, or medication was possessed or distributed outside legal authorization.

Many drug arrests begin with traffic stops. If a stop, detention, or search was unlawful, evidence may be suppressed. In some cases that can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case and may lead to reductions or dismissal, depending on what evidence remains. We review the details of the stop, any search, and how evidence was collected and handled. In drug task force cases, the State may rely on confidential informants or cooperating witnesses, and their statements and credibility can be challenged through the legal process.

Arkansas drug laws are harsh, but many arrests have weak points. Bad searches. Mishandled evidence. Lying informants. Overcharging by prosecutors trying to scare you into a plea deal.

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Charging decisions can also be aggressive, and it is not uncommon for the State to file more serious charges early and then negotiate as the evidence develops. We push back by scrutinizing what the State can actually prove and by presenting mitigating facts when appropriate. Depending on the case, options may include charge reductions, negotiated resolutions, or sentencing alternatives.

Arkansas also has problem-solving courts and diversion-style options in some jurisdictions, including drug court programs in certain cases. Eligibility and outcomes depend on the charge, the county, criminal history, and program rules. Successful completion may result in a reduced charge or dismissal in some cases, but it is not automatic. We help clients evaluate eligibility and navigate the process when it is a viable option.

Why Choose Our Firm for Your Drug Crime Defense

We’ve defended many drug cases in Arkansas courts. Our attorneys understand local procedures and how drug cases are handled in Northwest Arkansas. That experience matters when negotiating with the State, evaluating plea offers, and pursuing sentencing alternatives when appropriate.

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We also understand that some drug charges are tied to substance use or addiction. In many cases, treatment and stability matter alongside the legal defense. When helpful, we can connect clients with counseling resources, support groups, and treatment programs. Taking proactive steps can be an important factor in negotiations and sentencing, depending on the circumstances.

We focus on outcomes that protect your future, such as challenging unlawful searches, filing motions to suppress evidence when warranted, and seeking reduced charges or alternative sentencing options. Results depend on the facts of each case, but we work to put you in the strongest possible position to move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between possession and possession with intent to deliver? Simple possession means having drugs for personal use, while intent to deliver involves larger quantities, packaging materials, scales, or other evidence suggesting you planned to sell or distribute the drugs.
Can I get my drug charges dismissed in Arkansas? Yes, through various defense strategies, including challenging illegal searches, questioning evidence handling, negotiating with prosecutors, or qualifying for pretrial diversion programs that lead to dismissal upon completion.
Will I go to jail for a first-time drug possession charge? Not necessarily, first-time offenders may qualify for suspended sentences, probation, drug court, or other alternatives to incarceration, especially with strong legal representation.
How long do drug convictions stay on my record in Arkansas? Drug convictions remain on your criminal record permanently unless you qualify for expungement, which typically requires waiting several years after completing your sentence with no additional offenses.
What should I do if the police want to search my car for drugs? You have the right to refuse consent to a search, and you should politely but clearly say you do not consent. However, officers may still search if they have probable cause or a warrant.

Call Our Fayetteville Drug Defense Attorneys Today

Drug charges won’t go away on their own. Every day you wait gives prosecutors more time to build their case against you. The evidence is fresh right after your arrest. Witnesses remember details. This is when we can do the most to protect you.

Call our Fayetteville office today for a confidential consultation. We’ll review your charges, explain your options, and start building your defense immediately. Don’t talk to police without an attorney present. Don’t plead guilty without exploring every possible defense.

Call us at 479-251-8635 or fill out our confidential contact form. The Fayetteville drug crime defense lawyers at Arkansas Family and Criminal Lawyers are ready to fight for you. One phone call can change the outcome of your case. Let us fight for you.