If you’ve been caught in possession of a drug, it is essential to understand how that drug is viewed in legal terms, as a drug possession lawyer in Llano, TX, like from Winfrey Law Firm, can explain. Legally, drugs are separated into five different categories called schedules. Each of these schedules has different requirements that a drug must meet to be included. Lower numbered schedules are the most severe drugs that have no medical benefit and can cause immense addiction. Higher numbered schedules have much smaller chances of causing addiction and are sold for medical purposes. Here’s everything you need to know about the five schedules.
Schedule I
Schedule I drugs are considered the worst with no medical use. They include heroin, LSD, peyote and ecstasy. Penalties for being in possession of a Schedule I substance vary depending on the exact drug, but the most severe punishments mean at least five years in jail and a fine of $2 million, maximum.
Schedule II
Slightly less addictive than Schedule I but still with great potential to cause abuse, Schedule II drugs are considered dangerous with no medical benefit. Examples of Schedule II drugs are meth, cocaine, fentanyl and PCP. Offenders with Schedule II drugs can face 5-20 years in prison with fines up to $1 million. If you are caught with a greater amount of a Schedule II drug or this is your second offense, you may receive greater penalties.
Schedule III
Right in the middle, Schedule III drugs have a lesser potential for abuse and addiction. Tylenol with codeine, ketamine and testosterone are examples of Schedule III drugs. Schedule III drugs of any amount may receive up to five years in jail and a maximum of $500,000 in fines.
Schedule IV
Schedule IV drugs have very little chance of physical and psychological abuse and may have a medical value in the United States. If you are caught with a dependency on Xanax, Ambien, Tramadol, Soma or Darvon (to name a few), you may be charged with possession of a Schedule IV drug. Penalties include up to several years of jail time and a maximum of $250,000 in fines.
Schedule V
Last but least of all drugs, Schedule V includes drugs with the lowest possible risk of addiction or abuse. Easily accessible drugs such as cough medicines and antidiarrheals fall into the Schedule V category. Any amount of a Schedule V drug can get you up to no more than two years in jail and a maximum fine of $200,000, even if you are a second offender.
Regardless of the schedule your drug falls into, reach out to an attorney who deals with drug cases. Legal guidance and support can make this difficult time easier to navigate.