Everyone makes mistakes, and sometimes, those mistakes can follow you for years to come. This is especially true regarding criminal charges, which come with strong penalties.
If you or a loved one face criminal drug charges, it is important to understand the various aspects of the charge to know what you are up against. You should become familiar with a few key terms about drug charges.
Possession
Proving possession is essential to determining if a drug charge will stick. Some people may have the false notion that if they did not have the product on them at the time of the arrest, then they were not in possession. This is not necessarily true. To prove possession, the authorities only have to show the substance was in the realm of the defendant’s control. This could be a party’s clothing, belongings, home or even a storage unit the party rents.
Controlled substance
Controlled substances not only include illegal drugs, but also certain medications. Though physicians prescribe medications with the intent to help, those prescriptions can be quite harmful in the wrong dosage. That is why people must have a prescription to receive certain medications. Those in possession of such medications without a valid prescription are in violation of the law.
Schedule of controlled substances
To determine if a product falls under the controlled substance category, a party can check the schedules of controlled substances. Five different schedules exist in Wisconsin law, and they are broken down by severity. Controlled substances on different schedules may come with different penalties, so it can be beneficial to know the classification of the substance you are being charged for.
Understanding the charges you face can help you to properly prepare for your case. It may also be beneficial to speak with a professional to weigh all your options and determine the best course of action.
