If you have been charged with a drug-related crime, you are likely worried about the consequences that could follow. Due to the so-called “war on drugs”, the punishments for these crimes are often akin to those assigned for violent felonies. At Erika Valcarcel, Criminal Defense Lawyer, P.A., an experienced Sarasota drug lawyer will understand how unfair drug accusations can be. Attorney Erika Valcarcel will work tirelessly to present your case in the best possible light so that your charges are reduced or dismissed, if possible. Call (941) 363-7900 now to see how Erika Valcarcel, Criminal Defense Lawyer, P.A. can help protect your freedom.

Substances exist that are illegal to use, possess, produce, and sell in the United States. There are five categories of these forbidden chemicals, collectively referred to as controlled substance schedules. Each schedule is defined by the potential for dependency and whether or not the drug can be used for medical purposes. Schedule I drugs, for example, are highly addictive and have a very high potential for abuse. This system of organization is used as a reference so that the danger of a drug is known.

Schedule I and II

Substances classified by Schedule I and Schedule II are similar in that both categories entail a high risk of abuse and non-existent medical applications. This has been highly disputed in regards to marijuana; it has proven to be effective in treating a number of conditions and there is no evidence of its addictive nature. Drugs that fall into these categories are also commonly abused, meaning that evidence for high prevalence of use actually exists.

Possessing, selling, or producing these substances will also result in severe criminal penalties, such as time spent in state or federal prison. Common Schedule I and Schedule II drugs include:

Schedule I

  • Marijuana
  • Heroin
  • Peyote
  • Ecstasy
  • LSD

Schedule II

  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamine
  • Ritalin
  • Adderall
  • Methadone

Schedule III, IV, and V

Drugs in Schedules III, IV, and V are commonly described as having a moderate to low risk of physical and psychological dependence. In addition, some of these substances have legitimate medical applications. Valium, for example, is used to treat motion sickness and other common conditions. Not all of the drugs in these three categories are equal, though. A substance in Schedule III is far more addictive than a substance in Schedule IV. Well-known schedule III, IV, and V drugs are listed below:

Schedule III

  • Codeine (less than 90 mgs per dosage)
  • Ketamine
  • Steroids
  • Testosterone

Schedule IV

  • Xanax
  • Soma
  • Darvon
  • Ambien

Schedule V

  • Codeine (less than 200mg per 100mg of liquid)
  • Lyrica
  • Lomotil
  • Motofen

Contact Experienced Sarasota Controlled Substance Lawyer Erika Valcarcel Today

With the help of an experienced lawyer, it is possible to have your drug charges thrown out in court. One effective defense is proving that the substance did not belong to you. It might have been the case that an acquaintance snuck the drugs onto your person or into your vehicle, or perhaps the police planted it on you. Another method of getting your charges wiped out involves civil rights. For instance, if drugs were found as a result of an unlawful stop or search, the charges can be thrown out. Whichever strategy is used, hiring an attorney is essential to making your case.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug crime, contact an experienced Sarasota drug lawyer at (941) 363-7900. Attorney Erika Valcarcel will thoroughly investigate your case. Whether that means interviewing witnesses or conducting an independent investigation, she will make sure the court hears the entire story. She will do everything in her power to present your case in the best possible light. Let Erika Valcarcel, Criminal Defense Lawyer, P.A. help you protect your freedom by fighting for your legal rights.