Drug Possession Attorney Salt Lake City, UT

When it comes to drug possession charges, Utah has very tough laws. If you are facing a charge involving the possession of an illegal or controlled substance, please call a Salt Lake City, UT drug possession attorney as soon as possible.

Rasmussen & Miner, we offer unparalleled legal advocacy and guidance to clients who are facing criminal charges at a state or federal level. Depending on what was seized from you, the amount, and any mitigating factors, will largely depend on the consequences of your charge. In addition to this, you might face subsequent charges in relation to the penalties. For example, if paraphernalia was found at the time of the arrest, separate charges could apply. Any criminal case should be handled  by a leading criminal lawyer, especially when drugs are involved. For more information, call Rasmussen & Miner now.

Controlled Substances in Utah

Like other states, Utah organizes their controlled substances by schedules. This helps the state prosecutor to prosecute people who have been charged with possession, as well as for sentencing purposes. The length of jail or prison time you may be facing will depend on the amount of the drug and what it was.

Schedule I Drugs in Utah – Schedule I drugs typically have no medical purpose, as well as a heightened potential for abuse. In Utah, Schedule I drugs include:

• Marijuana
• LSD
  Ecstasy
• Heroin

Schedule II Drugs in Utah – Schedule II drugs might be approved for medicinal use, but are often abused or addictive. They include:

• Opium/ Opiates
• Methadone
• Oxycodone
• Vicodin
• Hydrocodone
• Amphetamine
• Methamphetamine
• Cocaine

Schedule III Drugs in Utah – These drugs have a decreased risk for abuse and may be used for medicinal purposes:

• Benzphetamine
• Ketamine
• Lysergic Acid
• Zolazepam
• Nalorphine
• Anabolic Steroids

Schedule IV Drugs in Utah  – These drugs are usually less addictive, and not often abused:

• Clonazepam
• Ketazolam
• Tramadol

Schedule V – Most of these drugs are available over the counter and may carry a low risk of abuse.

• Codeine containing cough suppressants
• Ephedrine containing medications

Potential Penalties for Drug Possession

If you are convicted of drug possession, you may face:

• Jail or prison time
• Court fines
• Other fees or fines
• Probation
• Community service
• Mandatory drug testing
• Mandatory rehabilitation
• + More

Subsequent Consequences:

• You might also lose your drivers license or a professional license.
• Your parental rights or custody could be affected.
• You may be unable to travel or live in certain communities.

Defending a Drug Possession Case

With a drug possession charge, a good lawyer will review the police investigation to ensure your rights were protected and all protocols were followed. For example, if drugs were found in your vehicle, the stop and arrest must have adhered to your Constitutional Rights and various laws include the right to search. If a warrant was used, the warrant must have been rightfully obtained and executed in order to be valid. The prosecutor must also prove that you knew that you were in possession of an illegal drug.

The above are potential avenues for defense and must be considered regardless of what drug you were found to be in possession of. Given the wide range of potential outcomes, it is important to retain an experienced drug possession attorney Salt Lake City, UT residents turn to.