A rapidly approaching deadline may have compelled you to take what you thought was an innocent Adderall. Or, to be a good coworker, you offered to pick up your associate’s medication that they accidentally left on their desk.
Regardless of how you came by the drugs, if you don’t have a prescription, it is illegal to have them in your possession. Prescription drug crimes are prosecuted as severely as other drug crimes in Wisconsin and require an aggressive defense.
Different Drugs, Different Penalties
Unlawful possession of amphetamines can result in $5,000 in fines and one year in county jail. If convicted, subsequent offenses are a Class 1 felony and can result in 3.5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Common examples of amphetamines include:
- Adderall
- Vyvanse
- Desoxyn
Unlawful possession of schedule I or II narcotics is a Class I felony that can result in $10,000 and 3.5 years in prison. Common examples of schedule I or II narcotics include:
- Ecstasy
- Demerol
- OxyContin
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Vicodin
- Hydrocodone
Possession of non-narcotic controlled substances is a Class C misdemeanor and can result in $500 in fines and 30 days in prison if convicted. Examples include:
- Didrex
- Anabolic steroids
- Ketamine
Prescription fraud, which includes the altering, writing, or falsely acquiring of a prescription, can result in 6 years in prison or $10,000 in fines. In addition, if there is evidence that you intend to sell, give, or otherwise distribute drugs via prescription fraud, penalties can be even more severe.
Drug possession penalties are different in every state. In Wisconsin, possessing something that appears to be an unlawful substance can have the same severe legal consequences as actual drug possession. For example, purchasing sugar pills that imitate painkillers or powder that appears to be cocaine is illegal for both buyer and seller.
Aggressive Defense Against Prescription Drug Charges
Wisconsin takes prescription drug crimes seriously, and penalties can be severe if you are found guilty. Even after paying fines and serving prison time, controlled substance charges can stay on your criminal record for life if you are convicted. An aggressive defense by an experienced Wisconsin drug crime attorney is your best shot at avoiding Wisconsin’s prescription drug possession and distribution penalties.