A Deeper Look at TX Controlled Substance Schedules
The war on drugs is alive and well in the US. Drugs are not treated lightly by any means, and as a result, crimes involving drugs can be prosecuted extremely harshly in Texas. Convicts typically face years in prison and stiff fines, making it challenging to return to a normal life after they’re released.
Depending on the type of drug involved and how it was used, a defendant may get a misdemeanor or felony charge, both of which carry life-changing consequences. But how is “severity” determined? Both state and federal governments utilize drug schedules that classify controlled substances into five categories.
Controlled, or scheduled, drugs are strictly regulated in the US because of several factors, including:
- Abuse risk
- Accepted medical use
- Potential for dependence
Let’s take a look at Texas’ controlled substance schedules to gauge what your drug charge implies.
- Schedule I: Drugs with a high abuse risk. These drugs have no safe, accepted medical use in the United States.
- Examples include heroin, marijuana, LSD, PCP and crack cocaine.
- Schedule II: Drugs with a high abuse risk, but also have safe and accepted medical uses in the United States. These drugs can cause severe psychological or physical dependence. Schedule II drugs include certain narcotic, stimulant, and depressant drugs.
- Examples include morphine, cocaine, oxycodone, methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine.
- Schedule III, IV, or V: Drugs with an abuse risk less than Schedule II. These drugs also have safe and accepted medical uses in the United States. Schedule III, IV, or V drugs include those containing smaller amounts of certain narcotic and non-narcotic drugs, anti-anxiety drugs, tranquilizers, sedatives, stimulants, and non-narcotic analgesics.
- Examples include acetaminophen with codeine, paregoric, diazepam, alprazolam, propoxyphene and pentazocine.
Depend on a Drug Crime Defense Lawyer
If you’ve been charged with a drug crime such as possession, allow a former prosecutor who understands both sides of the law to represent you. Seasoned Denton criminal defense attorney Derek Adame can leverage his valuable legal insight to implement hard-hitting defense strategies that have proven effective in drug charge cases.
Your drug accusations are serious, so retain an attorney who is just as serious about fighting your charges. Contact (940) 441-4239 to get started.