If you are accused of being in possession of controlled substances, you need to figure out how you’re going to defend yourself. A Montgomery County drug lawyer from our firm will do their best to help you stand up for your rights and poke holes in the prosecution’s case against you. If there’s a way to help you avoid the harsh penalties associated with possession charges, we’ll help you find it.
What is Considered a Controlled Substance?
A controlled substance is something that is regulated under federal law. Some examples include:
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
- Ritalin
- Anabolic steroids
- OxyContin
- Marijuana
- Xanax
Many of these substances have medical applications, but they can be abused or users can develop a dependency on them. As a result, they need to be tightly regulated and possessing controlled substances that you should not have can land you in legal trouble.
Will I Go to Jail for Possession of a Controlled Substance?
Jail time is almost a certainty if you are convicted of possession of a controlled substance. A conviction can also result in hefty fines. Your punishment is going to be based on what kinds of controlled substances you have and how much you have. The more tightly regulated the substance and the more of it you have, the worse the potential penalties are will be.
What If I’m Accused of Selling Drugs?
You can have an even bigger problem on your hands if you have so much of a drug or substance that the police believe that you could be distributing it. This could mean additional charges, plus harsher potential penalties because you possess such a large amount of a substance.
Let’s take marijuana as an example. Having two pounds of it can mean a fine of up to $5,000 and up to a year in prison. Being found with more than 50 pounds of marijuana can lead to a prison sentence of five years and a fine of $50,000.
What Should I Do After I’m Arrested For Possession?
You have the right to remain silent when you get arrested and we recommend that you take advantage of that right. There is rarely a good reason to talk to the police. They might tell you that they can help or that they just need you to clear a few things up, but everything that you say can be used against you.
Instead, contact a lawyer as soon as you can. Tell the police that you are not talking to them without an attorney, and then let your attorney do the talking for you. This is the best way to protect yourself in this situation.
Meet With a Defense Attorney
So if you have been accused of being in possession of a controlled substance, take the charge against you seriously. Contact Mudrick & Zucker to schedule a consultation with our team right away. We’re ready to help you defend yourself.