How long will my ex-friend probably go to jail?

Question

A guy I used to be friends with got arrested with 2 Class B felony charges of dealing Heroin in a big raid in Indiana yesterday. How long will he probably get in jail or prison. He's been arrested before but I don't think he had any open warrants and he wasn't on probation. He won't be able to afford a good lawyer. What's the average time for this type of offense?

Answer 1

The sentencing can vary with the decision of the courts, plea bargains, and his prior(s).

Answer 2

One class B Felony is a sentence of between 6 and 20 years, with a $10,000 fine.  The standard sentence is 10 years.  The sentence would be short if there are mitigating circumstances, and longer if there are aggravating circumstances.

If he is convicted on both class B Felony charges, the judge could sentence him to serve the two sentences consecutively, which means he does the time for the first charge, and then serves the sentence for the second charge.  That means he could be in prison for between 12 and 40 years.  

The judge might sentence him to consecutive sentences, which means he is serving time on both charges at the same time.

Answer 3

Depends on what he was arrested for previously and whether that arrest was a misdemeanor or a felony.  It will also make a difference if that arrest was drug related.  Every state has different maximum sentences for their drug offenses and those can be enhanced with prior felony convictions.  

Answer 4

Sales of any narcotic is serious.  His prison exposure will be in years, depending on the amount of dope, types of charges, special enhancements for large quantities and/or lots of cash.  The court will appoint an attorney free of charge to represent him.

Answer 5

He was dealing? He's probably looking at a good 5-10 years but you said that this isn't his first offence (conviction)? He'll probably go the upper end with maybe 2 years added on so 7 years with a clean sheet.