Drug charges are complicated, and the penalties can be severe. In Pennsylvania, there are numerous types of drugs that are commonly involved in illegal activities. When these substances enter into the state’s jurisdiction, they could lead to serious legal consequences such as fines and imprisonment. If you or someone you know has been accused of a drug charge, speaking with an experienced criminal defense attorney is the best option for fighting these charges.
So, the first and the best thing you can do after being charged for a drug-related case is to hire a criminal defense attorney. The types of drugs that are commonly involved in drug charges are found in a schedule created by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This schedule classifies specific drugs according to their potential for abuse, medical use and addictive properties. Get an experienced criminal defense lawyer to know more about drug cases. Check their website.
The following list is a brief overview of the most common drugs in Pennsylvania that lead to drug charges:
- Diacetylmorphine
Diacetylmorphine is a chemical compound found in heroin. It has the ability to act as a narcotic and causes release of endorphins in the brain, which results in a feeling of euphoria. It is popularly used to produce opium, which is then mixed with morphine. Heroin itself is illegal but diacetylmorphine also falls under drug charges because of its pharmacological properties.
The number of drug cases involving Diacetylmorphine in Pennsylvania have increased substantially. In 2011, the number of these cases was more than ten times higher than in 2003. The law states that the penalty is one year in prison and a fine of $5,000 for those who have been caught with more than 10 grams. For people who have been caught with more than 50 grams, the penalty could be a minimum sentence of 3 years in prison and a fine of $15,000.
- Benzoylmethylecgonine
Benzoylmethylecgonine is a chemical compound found in cocaine and also in prescription drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease and to reduce anxiety. It is known as the active ingredient, or the alkaloid, of cocaine. So, if you have a positive drug test because of a strong prescribed medicine, immediately call for a Drug Trafficking crimes defense lawyer.
Benzoylmethylecgonine is also a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, which means that it is a substance that has very high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use. Drug charges involving benzoylmethylecgonine are increasing rapidly in Pennsylvania. In 2003, there were less than 30 cases of these charges but by 2011, more than 100 cases were filed. The penalty for the possession of more than 10 grams of this substance is a maximum sentence of 5 years and a fine of $10,000. The penalty for those who have been caught with 50 grams or more could be a minimum sentence of 3 years and a maximum sentence of 20 years along with a fine ranging from $10,000 to $500,000.
- Tetrahydrocannabinol
Tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, is one of the main compounds found naturally in the marijuana plant. THC is what makes marijuana a drug with an overall high potential for abuse.
Tetrahydrocannabinol falls under Schedule I in the Controlled Substances Act, which means that it has a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use.
Pennsylvania drug charges involving Tetrahydrocannabinol are increasing rapidly. In 2011, more than 50 people were charged with drug charges by police officers for possessing this substance or for manufacturing it or being involved in its sale.
The punishment for people who have been caught with more than 50 grams of the substance could be a minimum sentence of 3 years and a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison along with a fine ranging from $10,000 to $250,000.
- LSD
LSD is a hallucinogenic drug that has been shown to cause physical and mental disorders. This substance contains a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
Drug offences involving LSD were very common in Pennsylvania before 2000. In 2013, police officers arrested more than 90 people on charges related to the possession of this substance. These types of cases have decreased since then. The penalty for possessing this substance can be a maximum sentence of 7 years along with an extensive fine, ranging from $5,000 to $250,000.
- Opium
Opium refers to the dried milky exudate that is secreted from the seedpod of certain varieties of poppy. The plant is primarily grown in Southeast Asia. The tool used to harvest opium from the poppy plant is called a “scoop” and it looks like a little shovel or spatula.
Opium is made into two other drugs called morphine and heroin, which are illegal. It also appears as a white or brownish powder that can be smoked, injected, or taken orally. Drug charges involving opium are increasing rapidly in Pennsylvania because more and more people are involved in cultivating this drug as well as distributing it.
The punishment for possession of more than 10 grams of opium could result in a sentence of up to 5 years and a fine up to $10,000. For more than 50 grams, the penalty could be a minimum of 3 years and a maximum sentence of 20 years with fines ranging from $10,000 to $750,000.
- Xanax
Xanax is a type of drug known as a benzodiazepine that is used to treat anxiety disorders. It belongs to the class of drugs called tranquilizers and it takes effect within an hour of being taken.
Drug charges involving Xanax have increased dramatically in Pennsylvania, so if you or someone you know has been arrested for possession, manufacturing or selling this substance, you should seek legal help immediately.
Xanax falls under Schedule IV in the Controlled Substances Act, which means that it has a medium potential for abuse and acceptable medical use with severe restrictions. The penalty for the possession of Xanax with more than 10 grams could result in a sentence ranging from 5 years and up to $10,000.
Drug cases are on the rise in Pennsylvania. This is partially due to the increase in opioid addiction. The state is working on ways to combat the issue, but it is a difficult task. There are many different types of drugs, and each one has its own way of affecting the user. In addition, drug dealers are always looking for new ways to distribute their products.
