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Controlled substance classifications may impact criminal charges

When dealing with criminal allegations, having the right information could go a long way in helping you handle your legal situation. Information relating to the charges brought against you, criminal proceedings you may face, defense strategies and various other facts could allow you to better prepare as your case moves forward. If you have had drug-related allegations brought against you, you could find information on various controlled substances useful.

Depending on the classification for the controlled substance, you could face different charges. Therefore, you may wish to understand what category certain drugs and other substances fall under and how it may relate to your case.

Schedule I

With Schedule I controlled substances, the drugs have no accepted medical use within the United States. They also present a high risk for potential drug abuse when used. Certain substances that fall into this category include:

  • Heroin
  • LSD
  • Marijuana
  • Ecstasy

Possession or distribution of these or other Schedule I substances could result in serious criminal charges.

Schedule II

Schedule II substances also pose a considerable risk for drug abuse. Additionally, these substances could lead to physical or psychological dependencies. Some of the drugs that are categorized as Schedule II substances include:

  • OxyContin
  • Percocet
  • Fentanyl
  • Morphine
  • Opium

Furthermore, this category may also include Schedule IIN stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin.

Schedule III

Substances in the Schedule III category still pose a risk for abuse, but the risk is lower than that of Schedule I and Schedule II substances. Drugs such as Vicodin, Tylenol with Codeine and Suboxone fall into this category.

Schedule IV

In the Schedule IV category, substances present a low risk for abuse when compared to other previous categories. Some examples of these substances include Xanax, Valium and Ativan.

Schedule V

Schedule V substances pose a low potential for abuse and mainly include medicinal preparations that contain certain narcotics, such as cough preparations with limited amounts of codeine.

How scheduling affects charges

As mentioned, substances in the Schedule I category could lead to substantial criminal drug charges. While the other classifications may not present as great of a legal risk, you could still face serious allegations when it comes to possession or distribution of substances in those categories. Therefore, if you face such charges, you may wish to determine how the substance classification could impact your defense strategies and how you choose to move forward with your case.

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