The state of Utah takes drug crimes seriously. The state has some of the harshest drug crime penalties in the nation. Being caught possessing any illegal drug can have devastating consequences on your future. Depending on the type of drug, amount, and any history of convicted drug charges, you could face up to 15 years in prison and/or up-to $10,000 dollars in fines. If caught trafficking, you could face federal charges that may result in life in prison.
If you were charged with a drug offense, you will need an experienced Salt Lake City drug crimes attorney.
Contact Jardine Law Offices P.C. at (801) 451-9555 for a free case evaluation. Protect your future — let our Salt Lake City drug crimes attorneys build you the best possible defense.
WHAT ARE CONSIDERED ILLEGAL DRUGS?
Illegal drugs are any drug that has no current medicinal value. The federal government has classified all drugs into five categories, or schedules, as they are often referred to.
SCHEDULE ONE NARCOTICS — THE HIGHEST POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE
- Heroin
- GHBLSD
- Marijuana
- Ecstasy
- Methaqualone
- Peyote
SCHEDULE TWO NARCOTICS — HAVE MEDICINAL VALUE
- High potential for abuse or dependency
- Oxycodone (combination oxycodone and acetaminophen)
- Percocet
- Percodan (combination oxycodone and aspirin)Norco (combination hydrocodone and acetaminophen)
- Hydrocodone
- Morphine
- Adderall (D-Amphetamine Salts)
- Vyvanse
- Concerta
- Dilaudid (Hydromorphone)
- Demerol (Meperidine)
- Fentanyl (Duragesic)
- Ritalin (Methylphenidate)
SCHEDULE THREE NARCOTICS — MODERATE POTENTIAL FOR DEPENDENCE OR ABUSE
- Tylenol 3 or Tylenol 4 (Combination codeine and acetaminophen)
- Codeine
- Ketamine
- Anabolic steroids
- Testosterone
SCHEDULE FOUR NARCOTICS — LOWER POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE OR DEPENDENCE THAN SCHEDULE THREE DRUGS
- Xanax (Alprazolam)
- Soma (Carisoprodol)
- Valium (Diazepam)
- Ativan (Lorazepam)
- Ambien (Zolpidem)
- Ultram (Tramadol)
SCHEDULE FIVE NARCOTICS — EVEN LOWER POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE OR DEPENDENCE
- Contain limited quantities of certain narcotics
- Certain cough syrups, antidiarrheals, and analgesics
- Robitussin AC/Virtussin AC (Guaifenesin and Codeine)
- Lyrica
- Lomotil
Understanding the Consequences of Drug Charges in UT
If you or a loved one is facing drug charges, it’s crucial to understand the potential legal consequences. Drug crimes can carry severe penalties, including hefty fines, imprisonment, and a permanent criminal record that can impact your future opportunities. At Jardine Law Offices, we believe that an informed client is an empowered client.
Below, we outline some of the potential consequences you may face based on the severity of the drug crime:
- Felony Charges: These are serious offenses that can lead to extended prison sentences and substantial fines, often exceeding tens of thousands of dollars.
- Misdemeanor Charges: While generally less severe than felonies, misdemeanors can still result in jail time, fines, and the possibility of community service.
- Probation and Rehabilitation: In some cases, first-time offenders may be eligible for probation or mandatory drug rehabilitation programs, which can help avoid jail time but may still carry restrictions on your personal freedoms.
- Fines: Monetary penalties can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the charge.
- Loss of License: Convictions related to drug crimes can lead to suspension or revocation of driving privileges.
- Imprisonment: Jail time may vary from a short sentence in a local facility to years in a state prison for serious offenses.
- Criminal Record: A conviction will lead to a permanent criminal record, impacting your future employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Each case is unique, and the specific circumstances surrounding your charges will be critical in determining the outcome. Our experienced attorneys are here to provide personalized legal strategies to protect your rights and work towards the best possible resolution.
Don’t face these challenges alone; contact our Salt Lake City drug crimes lawyers today to discuss your case.
Contact Us
If you are charged with possessing, distributing, or trafficking illegal drugs, you will need a professional drug crimes lawyer in Salt Lake City. You should not try to bargain, plea, or handle the case on your own.
Call Jardine Law Offices P.C. at (801) 451-9555 for a free case evaluation. Let our accomplished Salt Lake City drug crime attorneys put together a strong and effective defense to protect your rights.
