New York takes drug crimes very seriously. Upon conviction, you can face steep monetary fines, years of imprisonment, and the permanent burdens of a criminal record. As such, it’s crucial to understand what controlled substances are and the potential penalties for related offenses. Please continue reading to learn how a seasoned Rockland County Drug Possession Attorney can help you through these matters.
What Are Controlled Substances?
Controlled substances are generally defined as drugs or chemicals that the government regulates due to their addictive and dangerous nature. The Controlled Substance Act (CSA) mandates a federal policy that regulates the manufacturing, distribution, importation, exportation, and use of regulated substances. It lays the framework for categorizing controlled substances based on their accepted medical use, potential for abuse, and harmfulness:
- Schedule I: these substances or chemicals are drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Some examples include heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy).
- Schedule II: Similar to schedule I drugs, substances in this category have a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. However, there are some accepted medical uses. Some examples include cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, Demerol, and Adderall.
- Schedule III: These drugs have a moderate to low potential for physical and physiological dependence. The potential for abuse is less than Schedule I and Schedule II but more than Schedule IV. Some examples include ketamine and steroids.
- Schedule IV: These drugs have a low potential for abuse and a low risk of dependence. They have viable medical use. Some examples include Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium.
- Schedule V: These drugs have the lowest potential for abuse and consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. Some examples include cough syrup, Lyrica, Motofen, and Parepectolin.
What Are the Potential Penalties?
If you are discovered with any controlled substances in your possession, it’s crucial to understand the penalties you can face for an offense of such nature. The severity of the penalties will depend on the substances and amount you are found with. For instance, if you are found in possession of 500 milligrams of cocaine, you will face a Class A misdemeanor. If you have more than 500 milligrams of cocaine, you can face a Class D felony. It’s important to note that the penalties for a felony charge are even more significant.
If you have been charged with a controlled substance crime in New York, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of a determined Rockland County drug possession attorney who can help defend your rights. At The Law Office of Carl Spector, we are prepared to help shield you from an uncertain future.
