Possession - List of Drug Charges and Sentences Alabama

While drug laws are changing and becoming more relaxed in many parts of the country, Alabama is not one of them. Our state still has strict laws against unlawful drug possession, and the charges you face will vary depending on the allegations against you. One thing that all drug cases have in common, however, is that they require the assistance of an experienced Montgomery drug crime defense attorney. 

Marijuana Possession

Marijuana has been removed from the controlled substances lists in many states, but it is still very much illegal to possess even the smallest amount of marijuana in Alabama. If you are accused of possession for personal use, you can face misdemeanor charges and up to one year in jail and $6,000 in fines. For possession for anything other than personal use, you can face felony charges and one to ten years in prison, in addition to $15,000 in fines. 

Possession of Other Controlled Substances

While penalties for marijuana possession are harsh, they get even harsher for the possession of other controlled substances. These include any substances on Schedules I through V of the controlled dangerous substances (CDS) list, and commonly possessed substances are cocaine, heroin, LSD, opioids, and more. 

For possession of any CDS, you can be charged with a Class C felony and face a minimum of one year in prison up to ten years if convicted. The charges escalate if you are accused of possessing, distributing, or transferring anhydrous ammonia that will be used to manufacture crystal methamphetamine. Then, you can face Class B felony charges, which come with a possible sentence of two to 20 years in prison and up to $30,000 in fines. 

Prescription Drugs

Many people think that possession of prescription drugs will be less serious than drugs that are not prescribed for medical purposes. However, prescription drugs are still included on the CDS list, and possession without a valid prescription can result in criminal charges. This includes attempting to or actually obtaining a prescription by:

• Fraud
• Misrepresentation
• Deceit
• Altering a prescription 
• Stealing a prescription

While you might not imagine that this is as serious as possessing heroin or cocaine, the charges can still be Class C felonies with the same potential penalties. 

Defending Against Drug Possession Charges

Because the penalties for any type of drug possession are so harsh in Alabama, it is critical that you have the right defense attorney on your side. We can build the strongest defense possible in your situation, including:

• Identifying violations of your constitutional rights
• Challenging allegations of constructive possession
• Identifying forensic lab errors or unreliable results
• Negotiating a favorable plea deal with reduced charges or penalties

We will advise you of all of your options and their implications so you can receive the best possible outcome in your drug possession case. 

Consult with a Montgomery Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer Right Away

After an arrest on suspicion of drug possession, you want Luck Law, LLC, on your side. Contact us online or call 334-262-5455 to discuss your charges and our services. 

No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. No attorney-client relationship is established by requesting a consultation or by emailing the firm. Information submitted in such communication is not privileged and may be subject to disclosure.

Criminal Charges for Prescription Drug Possession - Read More!