If you have been charged with Unlawful possession or possession with an intent to sell drug abuse charges, our criminal defense attorney can help you to get out of the case in the best and safest manner. With credibility, reputation, and a legacy of success, we have resolved hundreds of drug abuse cases across California.
Along with some commonly abused substances such as heroin, meth, and ecstasy, some of the prescription drugs also fall under regulated substances under the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Scheduled drugs. These drugs are prescribed by physicians, dentists, veterinary doctors, and psychologists are only available at licensed pharmacies and dispensaries through approved prescription. Various prescription drugs fall into this category including oxycodone, fentanyl, meperidine, methadone, Hydrocodone, etc. The Benzodiazepines based drugs including Valium and Xanax are also part of controlled substance act according to both state and federal laws. With prolonged use, these drugs can be addictive and can have detrimental effects on the health of patients. Therefore, these drugs are only allowed with a valid prescription.
The illegal possession of prescription drugs is a criminal offense under California’s Health and Safety Code 11350 and possession with an intent to sell is an offense under HSC 11351. Therefore, if you do not have a valid prescription and you are caught with any of the listed prescription drugs, you can be immediately arrested by police. Conviction of possession of prescription drug can cause up to one year of jail time and up to $1,000 in fines. However, these sentences can be as harsh as up to three years prison time and $20,000 in fines. It is a wobbler crime in California which means it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony which is at the discretion of district attorney, your previous criminal record
However, sometimes the police officers mistakenly arrest people and charge them with illegal possession of prescription drugs. In other cases, the patient started on the drugs with a valid prescription, but with prolonged use became addicted to it. So, after the withdrawal, the patient continued to access these drugs in ways such as a fake prescription. We understand the toll these charges can take on your life. Therefore, we are always ready to stand by your side even when no one else is ready to listen to your story. Criminal Defense Lawyers at Chesley’s Law office identify the relevant criminal defenses and hone them in convincible arguments to be presented in court. Our 90% of clients successfully avoid jail time due to compelling defense.