How Can Florida’s Drug Schedules Affect My Case?

In the state, illegal substances are categorized under different schedules based on their medical use and potential for abuse. If you are facing drug crime charges, it’s important to understand these schedules as they won’t just have an impact on the types of penalties you will face, but could also result in a more serious charge on your permanent criminal record.

In this article, we take a closer look at these schedules and how these categories might affect your defense:

Schedule I

Substances in this category are considered as having no acceptable use in medical treatment. As such, even under the supervision of a healthcare professional, lawmakers have decided that such drugs cannot meet the safety standards laid out by the state. Substances under this schedule include peyote, heroin, methaqualone, and even marijuana.

Schedule II

Drugs listed under this schedule are considered to have a high potential for abuse. While some of these substances will see use in medical treatments and pain management—such as Vicodin—lawmakers have concluded that such drugs could lead to extreme psychological and physical dependence. Fentanyl, meth, and cocaine are among the substances listed in this category.

Schedule III

While the potential for abuse for the drugs listed under this category is considered far lower than those in the above schedules, these substances could still lead to physical and psychological dependence. Schedule III drugs include ketamine, codeine, testosterone, and anabolic steroids.

Schedule IV

The drugs in this schedule have a low potential for abuse and have widespread medical use. While there is potential for abuse, the risk of addiction is considered to be relatively low. Schedule IV substances include Xanax, Tramadol, Valium, and Ambien.

Schedule V

The substances in this category have an incredibly low potential for abuse and are often prescribed by healthcare providers to treat a variety of conditions or pain stemming from health issues. Such drugs can include Parepectolin, Lomotil, and Motofen.

Can Drug Schedules Affect My Charges?

Yes. The schedule of a particular drug will almost always be a significant factor if you are facing drug crime charges. For instance, if you are caught in possession of a Schedule I drug, you will likely be strapped with far harsher penalties than if you were arrested for carrying Valium or another substance listed under a lower schedule.

Additionally, if the police have evidence that you planned to deliver, manufacture, or sell a particular drug, your penalties could be increased. A criminal defense attorney can assess your situation to determine what types of punishments you might face.

He or she can also investigate the arrest to find any evidence that might help support your defense. In some cases, a lawyer might be able to not just negotiate a plea deal to reduce the penalties but unearth proof to dismantle the prosecution’s case and have your charges dismissed.

Discuss Your Case with a Palm Beach Gardens Drug Crime Lawyer

If you are facing charges for drug possession or trafficking—no matter the schedule—you could benefit from the guidance, support, and representation of a skilled Florida drug crime lawyer.

Attorney Todd A. Kawecki is here to help and can meet with you as part of a free consultation. He understands that even those with the best of intentions can find themselves on the wrong side of the law, so he will work tirelessly to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Call us today at 772-485-4500 or jump to our contact page HERE to request a case review today.