Richmond Drug Schedules and Categorization
When dealing with a drug charge, it is important to understand Richmond drug schedules and categorization. By knowing this, you may develop a better understanding of the gravity of the charge and how to go about defending your case. However, it is highly recommended to speak with a skilled attorney before you begin any legal proceedings. A Richmond drug lawyer may be able to provide you with proper legal advice and the representation you need.
Definition of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
A controlled substance is a drug, substance, or immediate precursor in Schedules I through IV of the Virginia Drug Control Act. An immediate precursor is a substance used to make drugs, such as uncooked coca leaves. They are broken down into six schedules. The main two schedules are Schedule I and Schedule II. There is also marijuana, which is illegal in and of itself and has its own sub-category.
How a Drug’s Schedule Impacts the Penalties
Every state has different penalties for scheduled drugs, but the scheduling itself is more or less the same. If a drug is a Schedule I or Schedule II substance in Virginia, those drugs are probably going to be Schedule I or Schedule II federally. The only major difference is marijuana. Marijuana is a Schedule I drug federally, and in Virginia, it is a part of its own subset.
In Richmond, the higher the schedule, the stiffer the penalty that someone can receive. Schedule I and Schedule II are Class 5 felonies. Those penalties could potentially carry anywhere from no time in jail to 10 years in jail. Schedule III is a Class 1 misdemeanor, no time in jail to up to 12 months in jail. Schedule IV is a Class 2 misdemeanor, no time in jail to six months in jail. Schedule V is a Class 3 misdemeanor, only punishable by a $500 fine. Schedule VI is a Class 4 misdemeanor, only punishable by a $250 fine.
Drug Schedules and Categorization
In Richmond and throughout Virginia, all the scheduled drugs may potentially be broken down by considering the potential for abuse as balanced against its accepted medical uses. Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and have no known medical uses. Examples of those drugs are going to be heroin and PCP.
Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse, but do have some known medical uses and can potentially be used safely. However, if abused, they can lead to serious psychic or physical disability. Examples of those drugs are opium, morphine, codeine, cocaine, and amphetamine.
With Schedule III drugs, it is the same balancing act. An example is anabolic steroids.
Schedule IV drugs could be considered to be a lower level of abuse and have many known medical treatments, such as Xanax and Valium. Schedule IV substances have a low potential for abuse relative to the scheduled substances above it.
If there is still confusion about Richmond drug schedules and categorization, contact a Richmond drug lawyer for more information.
Reach Out to a Richmond Drug Attorney for Help
If you were charged with a controlled substance offense, reach out to a defense attorney for help understanding how Richmond’s drug classification and scheduling system applies to your case.
A skilled lawyer could also help you craft a strong defense against your charges and work towards a positive resolution. Call today to set up a consultation.