Possession of Prescription Drugs: Penalties and Legal Options
Here at the Law Offices of Jason Trumpler, we believe that all people in the greater Austin area deserve a robust legal defense. By ensuring you receive a fair trial and hearing, we help make the justice system function properly for everyone.
If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged for possession of a controlled substance, we can help you. Even the possession of prescription drugs can carry stiff penalties, which we'd like to go over right now.
The Type of Drug Matters
When it comes to any sort of drug possession charge, the type of controlled substance will make a major difference in terms of penalties and the severity of the crime. For instance, penalties for hard drugs (cocaine, heroine, meth) has different penalties than marijuana possession which itself has different penalties than possession or ecstasy (MMDA), and so forth.
Possession of illegally obtained or used prescription drugs carries less serious penalties than possession of illicit drugs that are non-medical in nature.
Classes of Controlled Substance Penalty Groups
Broadly, these are the classifications of drug in Texas law, with Group 1 covering the most serious and Group 4 considered the least serious:
- Penalty Group 1 – Examples: cocaine, heroin, oxycodone, hydrocodone
- Penalty Group 1A – LSD
- Penalty Group 2 – Examples: ecstasy (MMDA), PCP, mescaline
- Penalty Group 2A – Marijuana and its derivatives
- Penalty Group 3 – Examples: Valium, Xanax and Ritalin
- Penalty Group 4 – Examples: drugs that contain Dionine, Motofen, Buprenorphine, or Pryovalerone
Our main focus is on Group 3 and Group 4.
Penalties for Possession of Prescription Drugs
When it comes to the penalties for Group 3 and Group 4, these can vary based on the amount found on a person during arrest.
Group 3 penalties are as follows:
- Less Than 28 Grams – Fine of up to $4,000 and up to 1 year in jail
- 28 Grams to 199 Grams – Fine of up to $10,000 and between 2 and 10 years in prison
- 200 Grams to 399 Grams – Fine of up to $10,000 and between 2 and 20 years in prison
- 400 Grams or More – Fine of up to $50,000 and between 5 and 99 years in prison
Group 4 penalties are as follows:
- Less Than 28 Grams – Fine of up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail
- 28 Grams to 199 Grams – Fine of up to $10,000 and between 2 and 10 years in prison
- 200 Grams to 399 Grams – Fine of up to $10,000 and between 2 and 20 years in prison
- 400 Grams or More – Fine of up to $50,000 and between 5 and 99 years in prison
Keep in mind the exact nature of the penalty will depend on the nature of your case.
Penalties for Forging or Altering Prescriptions
Keep in mind that additional penalties exist for people who forged or altered prescriptions in order to get the drugs that are used illicitly. Prescription fraud may be classified as a misdemeanor or a 2nd degree felony depending on the nature of the incident.
How an Attorney Can Help You
If you are charged with possession of a prescription drug, we will work diligently to mount a strong legal defense. Our focus will be in ensuring your receive a fair shake from the law, and that none of your Constitutional rights were violated during the arrest. We can also provide counsel following your case so you can move forward in the right direction.
Contact the Law Offices of Jason Trumpler
For more information about your legal rights following a drunk driving or drug possession charge, be sure to contact a skilled criminal defense attorney today. We at the Law Offices of Jason Trumpler will help you make sound legal decisions.