Spokane, Washington Criminal Defense Attorneys—Drug Charges
In Washington state, almost all of the laws relating to the various types of drug charges an individual may face are classified under the Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act (VUCSA) under the Revised Code of Washington 69.50.
From drug trafficking to drug possession charges, the VUCSA covers many of the possible types of controlled substances and the crimes associated with them. Within the VUCSA, the state board of pharmacy has divided controlled substances into five schedules, or categories, based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use and/or accepted safety for use in medical treatments, and psychological/physical dependence.
Schedule 1 RCW 69.50.203
When a controlled substance has a high potential for abuse; no currently accepted medical use; and lacks accepted safety for use in medical treatments; it is classified as a Schedule 1 drug. These include opiates, opiate derivatives, and hallucinogenic drugs.
Schedule 2 RCW 69.50.205
If a substance has a high potential for abuse; a currently accepted medical use and/or accepted safety for use in treatments; and may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence after abuse; it is considered a Schedule 2 drug. Examples include morphine, oxycodone, and methamphetamine.
Schedule 3 RCW 69.50.207
For a substance to be categorized as a Schedule 3 drug, it must have a lower potential for abuse; have currently accepted medical uses; and moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence. Codeine and anabolic steroids are among those classified as Schedule 3.
Schedule 4 RCW 69.50.209
A substance is classified as Schedule 4 when there is a low potential for abuse; has currently accepted medical uses; and may lead to limited physical or psychological dependence when abused. These include drug used as depressants or stimulants such as Valium and Xanax.
Schedule 5 RCW 69.50.211
Drugs can be classified in the final Schedule is they have a low potential for abuse relative to Schedule 4 substances; have currently accepted medical uses; and abuse of the substance may lead to limited physical or psychological dependency compared with Schedule 4 drugs. These include medications such as cough syrup and codeine.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for drug trafficking, manufacture, delivery, sale, or drug possession charges, contact our Washington attorneys at Cooney Law Offices, P.S. Our criminal defense attorneys have over 25 years of experience defending the innocence of those charged with drug crimes. We will investigate the circumstances of your case and aggressively fight for your freedom in court. Contact us to discuss your charges and strategize the best plan of defense.
Call 509-326-2613 today for the legal advice
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your drug possession charges!
