The level of charge will depend on the facts of the individual case.
The statistics about the use of opioids in the United States are grim. The number of overdose deaths from the use of opiates in Los Angeles and surrounding areas continues to rise, along with an ever-growing number of people addicted to these dangerous drugs. While many lawmakers do seem to understand that drug addiction is a disease, the laws regarding possession of narcotics are harsh. They are even more severe for anyone caught selling drugs. This includes a common prescription medication that is often abused, and may be how many people become addicted to opioids in the first place: hydrocodone.
Hydrocodone is a powerful narcotic drug that is prescribed as a pain killer. It may also be called by its brand name, Vicodin. While it is legal to use hydrocodone if a doctor prescribes it, as a drug defense lawyer Los Angeles, CA can explain, possessing this drug beyond what is prescribed to you is illegal. It is also against the law to posses hydrocodone with the intent to sell it, even if you obtain it through a legitimate prescription. For example, if you go to the doctor and complain of pain just to get a hydrocodone prescription, with a plan to sell those pills, you could be charged with a California crime.
A prosecutor can bring various charges for the possession or sale of hydrocodone under California law. The charges may either be a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the facts of the case. According to an experienced drug defense lawyer Los Angeles, CA, most California hydrocodone or Vicodin cases will be misdemeanor possession cases. If you only have enough hydrocodone for personal use, then you will be charged with a misdemeanor, and subject to potential penalties including up to 1 year in county jail and/or a fine of up to $20,000. Being under the influence of hydrocodone is also a misdemeanor, as is driving under the influence of hydrocodone (in most cases). For both possession of hydrocodone and being under the influence of hydrocodone, you may be eligible for a drug diversion program.
However, if you possess hydrocodone for sale, you could be charged with a California felony. Possession with the intent to sell hydrocodone is punishable by between 2 to 4 years in California state prison, as well as a fine of up to $20,000. Sale or transportation of hydrocodone with the intent to sell is punishable by between 3 and 9 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. Defendants charged with these felony crimes are not eligible for drug diversion programs.
There are potential defenses to these charges, including that you had a valid prescription, or even that the police illegally seized the evidence against you. A knowledgeable drug defense lawyer Los Angeles, CA can evaluate your case to determine if there are any potential legal or factual defenses based on the specific facts of your case.
At the Chambers Law Firm, our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to helping people who have been charged with crimes, including drug crimes like possession and/or sale of hydrocodone. Contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to speak with an experienced drug defense lawyer Los Angeles, CA.
