Possession - Tylden Shaeffer, Attorney at Law, P.C.
Drug crimes populate the entire spectrum in terms of the severity of consequences of a conviction. For example, unlawful possession of a small amount of a Penalty Group 3 or 4 will result in a misdemeanor charge, whereas any possession of a Penalty Group 1 or 2 drug will result in a felony charge. Penalty Groups 1 and 2 include such drugs as cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, methamphetamine, LSD, mescaline and psilocybin.
Penalty Groups 3 and 4 include such drugs as Valium, Ritalin and Xanax. Marijuana is classified separately. Possession of less than two ounces is a Class B misdemeanor; possession of 2 to 4 ounces is a Class A misdemeanor. Possession of more than 4 ounces is a felony. Drug charges, whether they are a misdemeanor or a felony, should be treated with the utmost seriousness.
Being charged with possession of a controlled substance is often a harrowing experience, one in which you may not have ever expected to find yourself. It is important to remember that a charge is not a conviction, and that an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you navigate through the legal system and work to defend you against such charges.