Starkville Drug Crimes Lawyer

What Are the Federal Drug Schedules?

Charges for drug-related offenses involve severe criminal penalties, depending on the circumstances. If successfully convicted of a drug charge, the prison sentence has the potential of drastically altering the course of your life. Serious charges require serious representation from a dedicated Starkville drug crimes attorney.

In accordance with the Federal controlled substance schedules, Mississippi law categorizes drugs as follows:

• Schedule I controlled substances are drugs that have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Examples include street drugs like marijuana, ecstasy, and heroin.
• Schedule II controlled substances are drugs that have a high potential for abuse, including psychological and physical dependence. Examples include opioid painkillers like Vicodin and OxyContin.
• Schedule III controlled substances are drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. For example, cold products with less than 90 mg of codeine per dose.
• Schedule IV controlled substances are drugs with a low potential for abuse and low risk for addiction. Examples include anti-depressant medications such as Xanax, Valium, and Ativan.
• Schedule V controlled substances are drugs with the lowest potential for abuse and involve small amounts of narcotics. For example, children’s over-the-counter cough syrup that contains less than 200 mg of codeine per 100 ml of cough syrup.

At Vollor Law Firm, P.A., we have more than 25 years of experience defending those charged with committing drug offenses against harsh criminal penalties. We pride ourselves on having an aggressive, results-oriented approach to advocating for our clients’ due process rights as they’re placed at the mercy of our criminal justice system – and we can do the same for you. Given the severe consequences associated with drug charges, we make sure you get compassionate criminal defense representation that is tailor-fitted to address your individual needs.

Drug Possession

• Misdemeanor Possession. Criminal penalties for those who are caught in possession of a controlled substance absent an intent to sell are determined based on the amount of the drug the defendant was carrying. Possession of less than 0.1 g of a Schedule I or II drug can result in a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to one (1) year in prison and a maximum $1,000 fine. Jail time and the cost of the fine increases if the defendant is caught carrying larger quantities of drugs.
• Felony Possession. A charge for felony possessing less than 0.1 g of a controlled substance can result in a prison sentence of up to four (4) years and a maximum $1,000 fine. Like its misdemeanor counterpart, the sentence for felony drug possession increases as the quantity of drugs the defendant is arrested for increases.

Drug Dealing or Distribution

• Possession with the intent to distribute or sell. Under Mississippi law, a charge for possessing a Schedule I or II drug with the intent to sell or distribute can result in a sentence of up to thirty (30) years in prison, and a minimum $5,000 fine, not to exceed $1 million.
• Possession of a Schedule III and IV drug with the intent to distribute can result in a sentence of up to twenty (25) years’ imprisonment, and a minimum fine of $1,000, not to exceed $250,000.
• Possession of a Schedule V drug with the intent to sell can result in a sentence of up to (10) years in prison, and a minimum fine of $1,000, not to exceed $50,000.

Serious Defense Counsel for Serious Drug Charges Throughout Mississippi

Sometimes the state will make improper mistakes or wrongfully cut corners in the name of law enforcement. The Bill of Rights was designed to prevent that type of government misconduct. If you are facing charges for a drug offense, you should hire an experienced drug crimes attorney in Starkville to protect your rights. At Vollor Law Firm, P.A., we have over 25 years of experience defending people against serious criminal charges, including drug crimes. You can rely on us to provide skillful and compassionate representation to preserve your right to a trial free from unjust procedural abuses by the government.