How Are Drugs Classified Under Florida’s Schedule of Substances?

There were 7,333 drug arrests made in Palm Beach County in 2016, which was more than any other category according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Drug arrests should never be taken lightly, as mandatory minimum sentencing can put a first time offender away in prison for many years. Multiple time offenders stand even harsher penalties if they do not have experienced legal defense. The classification of drug that was allegedly in your possession, along with the quantity, also has much to do with the charges that you face. As such, steroid possession is not punished the same as cocaine possession under Florida’s schedule of substances. Whether you have been arrested for a small amount of marijuana, heroin, or an opioid, it is essential that you reach out to an experienced West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer for legal help.

Schedule I Substances

According to Florida statute 893.03, all schedule I substances have a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical use in treatment, and do not meet accepted safety standards. While there is much debate as to the merits of categorizing certain drugs as schedule I substances, whatever schedule I substance you are being charged with will carry heavy penalties. Cannabis, peyote, mescaline, and LSD are a few of many schedule I substances.

Schedule II Substances

According to Florida law, schedule II substances have a high potential for abuse, a highly restricted use in medicine, and abuse may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Opium, hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, and cocaine are schedule II substances.

Schedule III Substances

Schedule III substances have a high potential for abuse, though less than schedules I and II substances, a medical use in treatment, abuse may lead to moderate or low physical dependence, and/or physical damage. Benzphetamine, chlorhexadol, and up to 300 milligrams of hydrocodone per 100 milliliters are examples of schedule III substances.

Schedule IV Substances

Schedule IV substances have a low potential for abuse, an accepted medical use in treatment, and abuse may lead to limited physical or psychological dependence. Flurazepam, mefenorex, and phenobarbital are a few examples of the many schedule IV substances you could be charged for.

Schedule V Substances

Schedule V substances have the lowest potential for abuse, are used in medical treatment, and abuse may lead to limited physical or psychological dependence. The following falls under a schedule V substance:

  • Up to 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters/100 grams;
  • Up to 100 milligrams of dihydrocodeine per 100 milliliters/100 grams; and
  • Up to 100 milligrams of ethylmorphine per 100 milliliters/100 grams.

Call a West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Drug Attorney Today

Drug charges demand an attorney with experience and proven results in helping defendants fight against unfair charges and overly harsh penalties. Call one of our West Palm Beach drug defense attorneys today at the law offices of the Skier Law Firm.

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