Are you accused of committing a drug crime in Alabama? Perhaps you were charged with possession of a controlled substance, manufacturing a controlled substance or trafficking a controlled substance. Any of these crimes can carry serious penalties.
Alabama law classifies controlled substances into five separate categories referred to as “schedules.” The schedule the controlled substance falls under will impact the severity of charges brought against you and the possible penalties you may face.
Schedule I controlled substances
Scheduled I controlled substances are those that have a high propensity for abuse and for which there is not currently acceptable medical application. Schedule I drugs cannot be prescribed. Heroin, LSD, and marijuana are all examples of Schedule I controlled substances.
Schedule II controlled substances
Schedule II controlled substances are those that have a high potential for physical or psychological addiction, even if the have an acceptable medical use. Methamphetamine, morphine and fentanyl are all examples of Schedule II controlled substances.
Schedule III controlled substances
Schedule III controlled substances are those that have a moderate to low potential for physical or psychological addiction, even if they have an acceptable medical use. Anabolic steroids, certain codeine product combined with aspirin or Tylenol and certain barbiturates are all examples of Schedule III controlled substances.
Schedule IV controlled substances
Schedule IV controlled substances are those that have a low potential for physical or psychological addiction in comparison to Schedule III drugs, even if they have an acceptable medical use. Klonopin and Xanax are two examples of Schedule IV drugs.
Schedule V controlled substances
Schedule V controlled substances are those that have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV controlled substances. Cough syrup containing codeine is one example of a Schedule V controlled substance.
Are all drug crimes treated equally?
In Alabama, the penalties for a crime involving a Schedule I controlled substance are greater than the penalties for a crime involving a Schedule II controlled substance, which are greater for a crime involving a Schedule III controlled substance, etc. Ultimately, anyone charged with a drug crime on any level will want to take appropriate measures to ensure their rights are protected throughout the criminal trial process with the goal of obtaining a favorable outcome.
