All substances with a potential for abuse are separated into several categories based on harmful effects and chances of dependency. These categories are known as drug schedules, and there are five options in which a substance can be placed. The schedule an offender’s drug falls into determines many things about possible jail time and fines. If you’ve been caught with a Schedule V drug, here’s everything you need to know.
What Makes a Schedule V Drug?
Schedule V drugs are considered the least harmful relative to others. These drugs may be any substance or chemical that has a small chance of causing psychological or physical dependency in those who use them. They are frequently common medicines, such as antidiarrheals, analgesics, and antitussives, and some contain traces of narcotics. Schedule V drugs are considered far less dangerous than Schedule I drugs.
What Are Common Schedule V Drugs?
Examples of Schedule V drugs probably sound familiar:
- Lomotil
- Lyrica
- Motofen
- Parapectolin
- Robitussin AC
As you might realize, many of these substances are easy to access.
What Are Penalties for Schedule V?
Since they are less harmful than other drugs, Schedule V drug penalties are pretty straightforward. The amount an offender is caught with usually does not matter, and the difference between a first and second offense is not great.
- A first-time offender can receive up to a year in jail (and no more) and a fine of up to $100,000 at a maximum. If a person is working in a group and not individually, the fine can be up to $250,000.
- If a person is caught in their second offense, they may face up to four years in jail and a maximum fine of $200,000. Again, a group offense may result in a higher fine, up to $500,000.
Do Other Offenses Play a Role?
There is a large difference between simply possessing a drug and doing more with it, such as selling or trafficking it. You are much more likely to get harsher sentencing than the penalties mentioned above if you are discovered selling or trafficking, or using minors for your drug sales purposes.
Drug-related crimes can be complicated and overwhelming. If you have been accused of a drug crime, reach out to a drug crime lawyer from a law firm like The Morales Law Firm to get a better understanding of your case and how you can get your life back on track.