In Florida, drugs are classified and placed into different categories depending on several factors. The main focus is on the potential for abuse of each drug and whether there is any accepted medical usage for a particular drug. There are certain drugs that are penalized more harshly than others. It depends on where that drug falls on the Ft Lauderdale drug Schedule.
If you are facing drug charges, a distinguished drug Attorney can help you build your defense. A Lawyer can inform you on how local laws may affect the outcome of your case.
Defining Drug Schedules
When drawing up the drug Schedules in Fort Lauderdale, the legislature looked at the potential for abuse of each drug and whether they had any accepted medical value or use.
- Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and no acceptable medical purpose. Even when used with medical supervision, there is no way the drug can meet any safety standards.
- Schedule II drugs or controlled substances have less potential for abuse than those contain in Schedule I drugs. There is still a potential for heavy abuse in drugs or controlled substances in Schedule II drugs have some accepted medical treatment in the United States. However, use of substances in Schedule II could lead to physical and psychological dependence as well as physical damage.
- Schedule III drugs or controlled substances have a potential for abuse but far less than Schedules I and II. While there is an accepted medical use in the United States, it is important to note that the use of these drugs can still result in low to moderate physical dependence along with a high psychological dependence.
- Schedule IV drugs are controlled substances that have a low potential for abuse along with an accepted medicinal use. The physical and psychological dependence that may occur from the use of these drugs is somewhat limited.
- The last Schedule is Schedule V. The potential for abuse of drugs or controlled substances within this Schedule is lower than in the earlier Schedules. There are currently accepted medical uses for treatment in the United States with limited potential for defenses regarding drugs or controlled substances found in Schedule V.
Ft Lauderdale Classifications
The classifications make a difference in the way cases are prosecuted, the potential impact and penalties. Ft Lauderdale looks at where the drugs or controlled substances fall within the drug Schedules. The amount in possession or in controversy also plays a large role in determining the overall penalties an individual could face for a drug-related case. According to the Ft Lauderdale Statute 893.13, it is a criminal offense to sell, deliver, or possess a controlled substance with the intent to sell.
The penalties for these offenses differ depending on the drug. For example, if the drug is in Schedule V which is the lowest, it is possible that an individual could face a first-degree Misdemeanor prosecution in Ft Lauderdale. If the drug is in Schedule I, the highest Schedule, it could be a second-degree Felony in some cases. Penalties can include imprisonment up to 15 years and heavy fines. Prosecution depends on many factors and each case is different. Call today to discuss your legal options with an Attorney at Leifert & Leifert.
