Hire a Drug Crimes Attorney in St. Petersburg Today

The term “drug crime” can encompass a large variety of criminal offenses. If you have been charged with a drug crime, it’s critical that you speak to a drug crimes attorney in St. Petersburg that can answer any questions you may have related to your case. At the Law Offices of Marc N. Pelletier, our attorneys, are extremely knowledgeable in state drug crime laws and can provide you with the accurate legal counsel your case requires. For a free consultation, give us a call today.

What Drugs are Associated with a Drug Crime?

Although there are a variety of drugs associated with drug crimes, there are some drugs that are more commonly linked to these crimes than others. Typically, the more addictive and unsafe the drug is, the more serious the charges associated with its manufacture, distribution, and use are. The United States government’s Controlled Substance Act classifies drugs in the following way:

Schedule I: As the highest classification, some drugs are illegal as they are considered unsafe, there is no medical use for them, and they have a potential to harm the user. Schedule I drugs include heroin, LSD, ecstasy, and marijuana.
Schedule II: These drugs are highly addictive in nature, but can be prescribed in certain cases for medical treatment. Hydrocodone, OxyContin, Percocet, methadone, morphine, codeine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine are all examples of controlled substances that are illegal without a prescription.
Schedule III: These substances have less risk for abuse than Schedule II drugs, but can still be addictive in nature, including over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol with codeine, ketamine, and anabolic steroids.
Schedule IV: Gradually becoming lower and lower on the spectrum for potential abuse, common Schedule IV drugs include Xanax and Valium.
Schedule V: These drugs are considered the least addictive of the five classes and are typically prescribed drugs like cough medicine with codeine.

What Charges Require the Attention of a Drug Defense Attorney in St. Petersburg?

Just like there are a variety of drugs that can result in a drug crime, there are also a variety of ways an individual can be accused of committing a drug crime, including:

Possession: The most common way a person is charged with a drug crime is if they are in possession of an illegal drug or controlled substance that they do not have a prescription for. These laws also include drug paraphernalia that can include any device utilized for drug use. Depending on the classification of the drug and the amount the person has, the penalty can vary greatly from a misdemeanor to a felony.
Manufacture, Delivery, and Sale: Unless licensed to do so, taking part in the production of a controlled substance is illegal. These crimes are often a felony offense. Similarly, taking part in the delivery or the sale of drugs or controlled substances is also illegal.
Trafficking: Drug trafficking is the most serious drug crime and is the illegal sale, transportation, or import/export of illegal drugs or controlled substances. Typically, these cases involve possessing the threshold amount of a substance, narcotic or drug inconsistent with personal use. Drug trafficking convictions can result in years in prison or even a life sentence.

If you have been charged with a drug crime, it’s critical that you consult an experienced drug defense attorney in St. Petersburg. Before you begin your legal process, it’s important that you speak with a legal professional that has an in-depth understanding of drug laws and can outline your options moving forward. With the right attorney on your side, you may be able to avoid jail time and other penalties that result from a felony drug conviction.

For a free consultation with a drug crimes attorney in St. Petersburg, please contact the Law Offices of Marc N. Pelletier at (727) 578-0303 today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.