How Long Will I Go to Jail for Oxycodone Possession?

Oxycodone is a serious drug. Known as an opioid, it is used mostly as a base substance to make a large number of powerful pain medications, such as Oxycontin, which is just a time-release version of oxycodone. Oxy is meant to be used solely for treating severe and chronic pain in patients with extensive injuries, or debilitating illnesses that cause life-long pain. It is highly regulated and only available (and legal) through prescription by a licensed physician.

That is because oxycodone is highly addictive and can quickly lead to dependence, and therefore, abuse. The problem with non-medically supervised, illegal oxy use is the very serious and real risk of death. You see, oxy medications cause respiratory distress, and in many cases, leads to death when taken in large or continuing doses. The risk of death is even more likely when oxy meds are also taken with other narcotics, especially alcohol.

For these reasons, being caught in possession of oxycodone without a valid prescription can land you in a lot of trouble. Continue reading to see how Indiana statute penalizes those arrested and charged with oxycodone possession.

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Possession of a Controlled Substance

Here in Indiana, those caught with oxycodone without a legal prescription have committed the crime of possession of a controlled substance. Indiana Code 35-48-4-7 clearly states: “A person who, without a valid prescription or order of a practitioner acting in the course of the practitioner’s professional practice, knowingly or intentionally possesses a controlled substance (pure or adulterated) classified in schedule I, II, III, or IV, except marijuana, hashish, salvia, or a synthetic cannabinoid, commits possession of a controlled substance (…).”

Indiana Drug Schedules

In Indiana, a classification system is used to categorize and define all drugs and controlled substances according to their abuse potential and addictive nature. These classifications are called “schedules”, and were developed by Federal government and Indiana legislature. They range in number, from 1 to 5, and can also be influenced by other factors, including the level of acceptance for medical treatment, physical dependence, and psychological dependence.

Oxycodone is a Schedule II drug. Schedule two drugs are considered to be any drug less dangerous than Schedule I drugs. They may have legitimate medical uses, but with a high risk of abuse. A drug can be classified as a Schedule II if it has high abuse potential, is either medically accepted or has severe medical restrictions, and causes physical and psychological dependence. Other Schedule II drugs include cocaine, crack, PCP (phencyclidine), opium, raw opium, opium extracts, methamphetamines, amphetamines, methylphenidate, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, and more.

Penalties for Schedule II Drug Possession

Possession of a Schedule II drug is a Class A Misdemeanor, which is punishable by:

? O – 1 Year in Jail
? O – 1 Year of Probation
? Fine Up to $5,000

After being charged with possession of drugs, it is important to start learning what you are up against. Such charges can cause an instant ripple effect in your life. On top of the immediate damage to your reputation and hefty fines, drug possession charges can lead to loss of employment, driving privileges, child custody, financial aid benefits, housing, and much more. Most importantly, you can lose your freedom. For this reason, it is critical to have an aggressive defense attorney behind you all the way.

Trust an Experienced Indiana Drug Possession Lawyer

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law at 317-636-7514 to get help with your Indiana drug crime charges, today. Whether charged with possession, dealing, or prescription fraud, our Indianapolis criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations to discuss the best strategies of defense for your case. Avoid the maximum penalties for your misdemeanor or felony criminal charges by calling David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, today!

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