Goshen Drug Crime Lawyers

When you’re charged with a drug crime in Goshen, you’re not just facing legal trouble—you’re facing consequences that can affect your job, your freedom, and your future. Whether it’s a simple possession charge or a more serious offense like trafficking or manufacturing, the penalties under Indiana law are severe. You need a defense team that knows how to navigate both the legal system and the local courts.

At Wilson & Kinsman, LLC, our Goshen drug crime lawyers bring strategic, aggressive representation to clients charged with all types of drug offenses. We regularly defend individuals in both the Elkhart Circuit Court and Elkhart Superior Court, and we know how to challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and fight for the best outcome possible.

What Types of Drug Charges Do You Handle?

Our firm represents clients facing drug-related charges at the state and federal levels. Whether you were arrested in downtown Goshen, near the U.S. 33 corridor, or anywhere else in Elkhart County, we’re ready to help. We handle cases involving:

• Possession of a controlled substance.
• Possession with intent to deliver or distribute.
• Drug manufacturing or cultivation.
• Prescription drug fraud.
• Dealing in a controlled substance.
• Drug trafficking across county or state lines.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Operating a vehicle while intoxicated by drugs (OWI).

We defend cases involving a wide range of substances, including marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, synthetic drugs, and unlawfully obtained prescription medications like OxyContin, Xanax, and Adderall.

What Penalties Could I Face for a Drug Crime in Goshen?

Indiana classifies drug crimes by the substance and amount involved. Some first-time offenses may be charged as misdemeanors, but more serious cases are prosecuted as felonies, especially those involving distribution or trafficking.

Here in Elkhart County, judges in the Elkhart Circuit and Superior Courts take drug charges seriously. Potential penalties include:

• Up to one year in jail for a Class A misdemeanor.
• Between six months and 30 years in prison for felony offenses.
• Fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
• Probation, drug testing, and mandatory treatment.
• Loss of your driver’s license or professional license.

A conviction creates a criminal record that can affect your ability to find work, pursue education, or rent housing. Our Goshen drug crime lawyers are committed to protecting your record and your reputation.

Are There Alternatives to Jail or Conviction?

Yes—depending on your charges and criminal history, alternative sentencing options may be available through the Elkhart County courts. If you are a non-violent offender or a first-time offender, you may be eligible for:

• Pretrial diversion programs that allow your charges to be dismissed upon successful completion.
• Drug court, a treatment-based alternative to traditional prosecution that focuses on rehabilitation.
• Conditional discharge, which may result in the dismissal of charges after probation.

Our attorneys know how to work within the local system to advocate for these options. We regularly appear before local judges and prosecutors, and we understand how to present your case in a way that emphasizes your willingness to take responsibility and seek help where needed.

Can Drug Charges Be Dropped?

They can be—if there are legal or factual weaknesses in the case. At Wilson & Kinsman, LLC, we look closely at the way your arrest was handled. Many drug arrests involve issues with search warrants, vehicle stops, or searches of your home or property.

Our Goshen drug crime lawyers challenge illegal searches, violations of your rights, and errors in evidence handling. For example, if the Goshen Police Department or Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office violated your Fourth Amendment rights, we may be able to suppress evidence and get the charges dismissed.

We also consult with forensic experts when necessary to challenge lab results or the identification of a substance. Every detail matters.

What Happens in the Elkhart Circuit or Superior Court After a Drug Arrest?

After a drug arrest in Goshen, your case will typically begin in either Elkhart Circuit Court or one of the Elkhart Superior Courts, depending on the severity of the offense and your prior criminal history. You will go through several steps, including:

• Initial Hearing: The judge explains the charges and advises you of your rights.
• Bond Hearing: The court may set a bail amount or release you on your own recognizance.
• Pretrial Conference: Your attorney and the prosecutor discuss possible plea deals or alternatives.
• Motions and Hearings: We may file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges.
• Trial or Resolution: If no plea agreement is reached, your case goes to trial.

Our attorneys handle all communication with the court and prosecutor on your behalf and keep you informed every step of the way.

Can a Drug Conviction Be Expunged?

Indiana law allows for expungement of certain drug crimes after a waiting period, as long as you meet all eligibility requirements. The waiting period is typically five years for misdemeanors and eight years or more for felonies, depending on the charge.

Expungement can clear your criminal record and help you move forward without the stigma of a conviction. If you’ve already completed your sentence and stayed out of trouble since then, talk to us about whether you qualify.

How Can a Goshen Drug Crime Lawyer Help?

Drug charges are never simple, and the stakes are too high to face them alone. At Wilson & Kinsman, LLC, we take a hands-on, proactive approach. Our Goshen drug crime lawyers will:

• Conduct a full investigation of the charges and facts.
• Challenge any illegal search, seizure, or arrest.
• Negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges.
• Advocate for treatment or diversion if appropriate.
• Represent you at all hearings and in trial if necessary.

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all defense strategies. Every case is unique, and we tailor our approach to your goals—whether that’s avoiding jail, clearing your name, or protecting your future.

Contact a Goshen Drug Crime Lawyer at Wilson & Kinsman, LLC Today

At Wilson & Kinsman, LLC, we’re proud to serve clients in the Goshen community and throughout the surrounding region. We’re familiar with the local courts, local law enforcement agencies, and how prosecutors approach these cases. Let the Goshen drug crime lawyers help you take back control of your future. Call 574-522-1900 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, we serve clients in Marshall, Lagrange, Kosciusko, Laporte, Porter, Lake, Noble, Whitley, Elkhart, and St. Joseph.