Being in possession of illegal drugs can mean facing harsh penalties if convicted, but those same penalties can apply if you’re charged with possession of prescription drugs. If you are caught with drugs for which you don’t have a prescription, you can face at least a year in jail and fines up to $4,000 if convicted. The penalties will depend on:
* Amount of drug in your possession at the time of arrest.
* Type of drug.
* How the drug was stored or concealed.
* If the drugs were found along with large sums of cash.
* Prior convictions
Common Chemical Compounds
The type of drug you’re found with is one of the factors in what type of charges you may face if arrested. If you are found with Ritalin, Valium, or other forms of prescription drugs, then you may be arrested if they are not prescribed to you. If you are found in possession of these types of drugs, you need to hire a drug defense lawyer in Beaumont, Texas.
If you have 200 grams or more of these types of drugs in your possession, especially if you have large sums of cash on you, then you may face intent to distribute charges. The penalties if you are convicted are much harsher and you could face up to 20 years in prison and fines of at least $10,000. However, depending on the circumstances of your arrest, a drug defense lawyer may be able to get the charges reduced.
Drug Manufacturing Penalties
Even being in possession of large amounts of common over-the-counter drugs could lead to a charge of drug manufacturing. Some sinus medications are used to make methamphetamines and the penalties can be very severe. If you are charged with possession with intent to distribute or manufacture drugs, you need to hire a drug defense lawyer right away.
