Controlled substances, which include many prescription drugs, can lead to serious penalties when they are sold to others without a prescription. The punishment depends on the type of substance.
Charges for Selling of Controlled Substances
It is illegal to sell certain prescription drugs such as opioids, antidepressants, Valium and some barbiturates. Even if an individual legally receives the drugs through a prescription, it is against the law to turn around and sell or disperse them to others. When clients come here asking for help we usually refer them to a treatment facility. This usually can not only help them but also their case.
The highest charge that can be given is felony of the first-degree for trafficking certain controlled substances, such as Oxycodone– to qualify as a trafficking charge, the amount of drugs in question must exceed a certain level depending on the specific drug – in the case of Oxycodone, four grams. This can result in up to 30 years imprisonment depending on the amount possessed.
Illegal sale of certain prescription drugs less than a certain amount may result in a felony of the second-degree (Oxycodone, for example), which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. A third-degree felony charge may result for sale of other drugs like anabolic steroids, and is punishable by up to five years in prison.
Misdemeanor charges of the first-degree may result from sale of other prescription drugs classified as Schedule V can put a person in jail for up to one year.
Penalties may be increased when children are involved or if along with the selling of the controlled substance, someone is injured or killed (for instance, an overdose).
Those who are facing charges related to selling a controlled substance, including prescription drugs, may benefit from seeking legal counsel with a defense attorney. An attorney can help individuals evaluate the charges they are facing and develop a defense.