A controlled substance in Arlington Virginia is defined as any type of illegal drug that can have a detrimental effect on the individual’s health and welfare. The state and government regulate these substances by providing certain laws against each substance. A person who is found in the possession of controlled substances can be charge with fines and held in prison by the law enforcement units of local, state and federal. Not all controlled substances are illegal, some of them are prescribed to the general public and are available at pharmacies and dispensaries for treatment. In order to determine if a drug is legal or not, on can refer to the Controlled Substances Act of the state. The Act has classified the controlled substances in Arlington Virginia, into schedules. These schedules are broken down into five categories, which are as under:
- Schedule I
Substances that are included in this schedule are unsafe with a high potential for abuse. Heroin, LSD, marijuana, ecstasy, etc. are examples.
- Schedule II
Schedule II contain narcotics that endangers the physical and psychological dependency of a person and bears a high potential for abuse, like methadone, Demerol, Oxytocin, morphine, opium, etc.
- Schedule III
Controlled substances that attain a less potential for abuse but can lead to low physical dependence. They include Vicodin, Suboxone, ketamine and anabolic steroids.
- Schedule IV
Controlled substances in Arlington Virginia that are included in schedule IV possess relatively less potential than others. For example Xanax, Valium, Ativan, etc.
- Schedule V
These substances contain a limited amount of narcotics like cough syrups including codeine.
Crimes associated with controlled substances
According to the Controlled Substances Act of Virginia, the crimes that are related to controlled substances are very serious. It includes manufacturing of the substance, distribution like import, export, or traffic, dispense of the substances and possession with the intent to manufacture, distribute or dispense. As the terms that are mentioned are interpreted quite broadly; that is why possession of any controlled substance in Arlington Virginia by a person, can result in the penalties that are charged on him or her. It is difficult to understand the complexity of the laws and regulations but it would be wise if a person has some of the knowledge of controlled substances.
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
If a person is involved in the manufacturing, distribution, imports, and exports of any drug than it is mandatory for them to register themselves under the law as described in the Controlled Substances Act. The Drug Enforcement Administration along with the law enforcement units ensure that the registrants are following the rules for the manufacturing and distribution of any controlled substance in Arlington Virginia.
Possession or distribution of illegal drugs can lead an individual to be charged with harsh penalties under federal and state law. The consequences of the conviction include a high amount of fines and jail time. Those who helped to produce any type of illegal drug can also be subjected as a criminal and may be sentenced with penalties. Hiring a specialized defense attorney can help in such conditions. They establish a defense process for trial or explore plea bargain options.