A Noblesville Attorney Fighting For Your Future After Drug Crime Charges
Last updated on May 11, 2026
One of the key rules in my law practice at Patel Defense, LLC, is that I do not judge my clients. I am here to fight for them – relentlessly, aggressively and even ruthlessly when needed. At no time is this more apparent than when clients come to me after an arrest for a drug-related crime.
Some are facing felony charges and prison time for drug possession or trafficking. All of them run the risk of a conviction becoming a blight on their future – in terms of having enormous fines to pay, being locked out of certain types of jobs, or even being denied a home to rent or buy due to a felony conviction.
I’m Monish Patel, an Indianapolis criminal defense attorney. My firm has represented thousands of clients who’ve been arrested on drug charges. As a former prosecutor and public defender, I know how local courts treat defendants, and I can build a strong defense for you based on that knowledge.
Understanding Indiana’s Drug Laws
Indiana penalizes people heavily for possession or sale of any illicit substance. I’ve helped numerous clients minimize the impact of drug charges for these and other substances:
- Marijuana
- Fentanyl
- Cocaine
- Crack
- Heroin
- Methamphetamine
- Prescription drugs
- Ecstasy
- LSD
Law enforcement often makes mistakes when conducting drug investigations. No criminal investigation, including those for drugs, is ever a slam-dunk for the prosecution. I can challenge improper police searches, argue claims of constructive possession and present possible laboratory errors.
When Do Drug Crimes Become Felonies In Indiana?
A drug charge can turn into a felony depending on the weight of the drug in your possession and whether enhancing circumstances exist. The state uses a tiered system to determine the level of a felony charge based on these specific factors:
- Level 6 felony: Holding less than one gram of drugs can lead to six months to two and a half years in prison
- Level 5 felony: Holding at least one gram but less than five grams of drugs, or less than one gram of drugs and an enhancing circumstance, can lead to one to six years in prison
- Level 4 felony: Holding at least five grams but less than 10 grams, or at least one gram but less than five grams of drugs and an enhancing circumstance, can lead to two to 12 years in prison
- Level 3 felony: Holding at least 10 grams but less than 29 grams of drugs, or at least five grams but less than 10 grams of drugs and an enhancing circumstance, can lead to three to 16 years in prison
- Level 2 felony: Holding at least 28 grams of drugs, or at least 10 grams but less than 28 grams and an enhancing circumstance, can lead to 10 to 30 years in prison
When an enhancing circumstance exists, Indiana law permits the courts to increase the felony by one level. This can include:
- Selling drugs within 5,000 feet of a school or public park
- Selling drugs on a school bus
- Selling drugs in the presence of a minor
- Having a prior conviction for a drug dealing offense
- Possessing a firearm while dealing drugs
Furthermore, Indiana uses an advisory sentence system that serves as a recommended baseline for judges when handling felony convictions. While not required, a judge may use this to determine sentences based on aggravating and mitigating factors. When you work with me, I aim to highlight mitigating factors in your case to argue for the minimum sentence possible or an alternative placement.
Talk To A Qualified Drug Crime Defense Attorney When You Need Results That Matter
You don’t have to face a drug charge by yourself. I can meet with you wherever you are, whenever you need to meet. To set up a free case evaluation, call me at 317-643-5459 or send a message using the online contact form on this website.