Due to the dangerous nature of drugs, the government takes crimes involving certain substances very seriously. If facing controlled substance crime, understanding the severity of the charges ahead of you is critical. Unfortunately, many are unaware of their rights, leading to unfavorable outcomes. As such, it’s in your best interest to keep reading to learn more about these matters and how an Oklahoma City felony defense attorney can help you through these times.

What Are Controlled Substances?

Controlled substances are certain kinds of drugs that are closely and heavily regulated by the government due to their dangerous nature and high risk of abuse. All states follow the federal law surrounding these matters which classifies the drugs based on their severity. These are known as drug schedules, and they are as follows:

  • Schedule I: These substances have the highest risk of abuse which can lead to physical and mental dependence, and currently have no accepted medical use in the United States. Examples include heroin, LSD, and MDMA.
  • Schedule II: Like Schedule I drugs, substances in this category have a high risk of abuse but do have some accepted medical uses. For example, Dilaudid, oxycodone, and Adderall are all considered Schedule II drugs.
  • Schedule III-V: Substances in Schedules III, IV, and V have increasingly smaller risks of abuse, but it is still possible that someone can become addicted to these substances. These have widely accepted medical uses, from Testosterone and Xanax to certain cough medicines.

What Are the Penalties Surrounding Possession of a Substance?

In Oklahoma, the penalties you will face if you are found in possession of a controlled substance will depend on the Schedule of the drug you are found in your possession. For example, if you are found in possession of a Schedule I or II drug, you will face a felony offense. As a result, you will face a minimum jail sentence of two years with the potential for up to ten years and a fine of $5,000. A second conviction will increase the penalties even more, with the potential for a minimum of four years but the possibility of twenty years in prison and a fine of $10,000.

As you can see, the penalties for this offense are incredibly severe in Oklahoma, which is why it’s in your best interest to fight the charges you’re facing if possible. Your attorney will examine the circumstances of your arrest to determine the best course of action, whether that’s to craft a defense to fight the charges or to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution.

When you’re facing felony charges, the Jones Law Firm can help. We understand how challenging these matters can be, which is why our firm is committed to helping you. We will explore ll avenues to determine the best way to proceed with your unique circumstances. Connect with us today to learn how we can help you.