If you or someone you know has been charged with possession of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance, you may be wondering what that means and how it will affect you. In order to ensure that you are treated fairly in the justice system, you should understand what Schedule 1 controlled substances are and how they are categorized.
What Falls Under The Classification Of A Schedule 1 Controlled Substance?
The United States ranks substances in a hierarchy called a “schedule,” where Class 1 is the highest; substances ranked higher on the schedule incur more severe penalties for their possession and distribution. How a substance is categorized is determined by a number of factors.
Substances Not Currently Accepted For Medical Use
One of the most critical factors when deciding where a substance ranks on the schedule is what medicinal purpose it serves. Drugs that serve no medical purpose are ranked highest, because there is no reason for people to be in possession of them since they are not used to treat an illness or condition. Substances that fall into this category include ecstasy, heroin and LSD, among others.
Substances With A High Potential For Abuse
Some of the most addictive substances are ranked a Schedule 1 because they have drastic effects on the human body. If a substance is highly likely to be abused and cause significant alterations to someone’s physical or mental state and wellbeing, it is typically placed very high on the schedule.
A substance may be placed high on the schedule even if it impacts only one’s physical or one’s mental state; it need not do both.
Lack Of Safety For Use Under Medical Supervision
This criterion for Schedule 1 substances is similar to examining whether a specific drug has a medical use in addition to its potentially addictive or treatment-oriented properties. Many drugs are dangerous, but with medical supervision, they become useful tools to cure or treat disease. This can be seen in examples such as chemotherapy, where toxins administered under medical supervision become tools for destroying cancer.
Schedule 1 substances, however, are considered unsafe even under medical supervision, and so they have no use in healthcare and are used only for their addictive effects.
What Do I Do If I’ve Been Charged With Schedule 1 Substance Possession?
If you or someone you know has been charged with Schedule 1 substance possession, you may not be sure what to do next. The most important step you can take immediately is to document everything you remember; write down what happened, as well as any details that you can recall. Also be sure to gather evidence, such as relevant photos, text messages or proof of phone calls. The evidence that will be most important depends upon your specific situation.
The next thing to do is to seek legal representation for your case. Drug possession can have serious penalties, particularly when the substance in question is categorized as Schedule 1. Possession of this level of substance is a felony making it critical to receive legal representation as soon as possible.
Seek The Aid Of A Criminal Defense Attorney
The role of the criminal defense attorney is to represent the defendant throughout the entire criminal justice process. An experienced and skilled criminal defense attorney will be able to swiftly navigate the justice system to ensure the best possible outcome for your situation. In the case of Schedule 1 substance possession, a criminal defense attorney will ensure that all possible options for your specific situation are considered.
How An Attorney Will Help To Defend You
Your attorney may pursue examinations into unlawful search and seizure or misconduct by law enforcement officers when determining how you charged. They may also find reason to challenge the amount or type of controlled substance in your possession; if enough reasonable doubt is present, this may significantly improve your outcome.
A skilled criminal defense attorney will understand not only the legal process but also the operating protocol of particular jurisdictions.
Speak To Kermit A. Monge About Schedule 1 Controlled Substance Defense
Being charged with possession of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance can be a very stressful time of uncertainty. The assistance of a skilled criminal defense attorney can make this process much easier for you and your loved ones; consider contacting a law firm that has experience in this field.
The Law Offices of Kermit A. Monge will gladly review your situation and work with you to develop a strategy to present your case. Our skilled attorneys will guide and assist you in outlining a plan for the best outcome possible in your situation. Give us a call at 703.273.5500 or request a consultation online today.