Federal cocaine laws are generally quite strict.
Cocaine possession of 500-4,999 grams
For possession of 500 to 4,999 grams mixture of cocaine and 5 to 49 grams of cocaine base, the first offense carries the following possible penalties:
- Not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years imprisonment
- Death or serious injury results in not less than 20 years
- Fine of not more than $2 million for one person, $5 million if not a single person
A second offense with the aforementioned amounts of cocaine leads to the following penalties:
- Not less than 10 years and not more than life imprisonment
- Death or serious injury results in life imprisonment
- Fine of not more than $4 million for one person, $10 million if not one person
Cocaine possession of 5 kilos or more
For quantities of 5 kilos or more mixture and 50 grams or more cocaine base, the first offense carries the following penalties:
- Not less than 10 years imprisonment and not more than life
- Death or serious injury results in not less than 20 years or more than life
- Fine of not over $4 million for one person and not more than $10 million for a party
A second offense dealing with the aforementioned quantities carries the following penalties:
- Not less than 20 years imprisonment and not more than life
- Death or serious injury results in life imprisonment
- Fines assessed are not over $8 million for one person, $20 million if not one person
By federal designations, cocaine is a Schedule II drug, which puts it in the same category as meth, PCP, opium and morphine, among others. Substances in this category have a high risk of abuse and may lead to severe addiction, including physical and psychological dependence.
Cocaine possession penalties by state
Some states may carry even stricter laws on cocaine possession in addition to the federal laws.
Texas cocaine laws, for example, are known to be quite strict. According to Texas law, possessing any amount of cocaine is a felony.
- Less than 1 gram of cocaine presents a state jail felony. The penalty may be as little as 6 months in prison or as much as 2 years.
- One to 4 grams of cocaine is a third-degree felony and could result in prison time of as much as 10 years.
- Between 4 and 200 grams is a second-degree felony and could result in imprisonment for as much as 20 years.
- Between 200 and 400 grams is a first-degree felony and could result in 10 years or up to 99 years in prison. It also carries a fine of $100,000.
- Possession of over 400 grams of cocaine is a first-degree felony as well and could result in 15 to 99 years in jail, plus a fine of as much as $250,000.
Federal laws for drug trafficking or distribution are also more severe than possession. However, it depends on if the drug is distributed in only one state or across state lines. If it’s the latter, then federal laws will apply. If the drug is distributed only in one state, then only that state’s laws will be applied.
For example, if a person is caught trafficking drugs only in Texas, then Texas laws would apply. The penalty varies depending on the amount of cocaine distributed. Felony charges start at any amount distributed and range from 180 days in jail to as much as 99 years.