Alabama Drug Possession Charges

ALABAMA DRUG POSSESSION CHARGES

DRUG POSSESSION CHARGES IN ALABAMA ARE FELONY CHARGES AND COVER A WIDE VARIETY OF CIRCUMSTANCES

A person commits the crime of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, or an Alabama drug possession charge if they possess a controlled substance which is listed in a list of controlled drugs and substances in the Alabama Code. The mere possession of any drug or controlled substance listed in the schedules is unlawful possession of a controlled substance and is punished as a Class C felony in Alabama.

Alabama drug possession charges can also be the result of obtaining or attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or the alteration of a prescription. In such circumstances the crime is also charged under the Alabama drug possession charges statute, and is also a Class C felony.

Alabama drug possession charges cover the possession of illegal drugs as well as legal medications which are illegally possessed. The statute certainly covers the possession of such things as methamphetamine, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, or heroin. Additionally, the statute covering Alabama drug possession charges covers the illegal possession of legal prescription medications such as Lortab, oxycodone, OxyContin, methadone, Suboxone, Xanax, Klonopin, Adderall, and other prescription medications listed in the schedule of controlled substances. An Alabama drug possession charge can be based on the mere possession of a single Xanax or other prescription medication.

The possession of marijuana is treated differently than the possession of other controlled substances in Alabama. Possession of marijuana is treated by different statute.

Because Alabama drug possession charges are class C felonies they are potentially punishable by imprisonment from 1 to 10 years and a fine of not more than $15,000. In addition, being convicted of an Alabama drug possession charge results in a felony on your record, the loss of voting privileges, and the loss of your right to possess a firearm. Conviction on Alabama drug possession charges can also result in the loss of your drivers license driving privileges for a period of time. In addition under Alabama law conviction on Alabama drug possession charges carries special fines, fees, and costs which the court would impose upon your conviction. Further, Alabama drug possession charges can result in treatment under the Alabama habitual offender. However, Alabama’s new sentencing guidelines now apply to simple possession charges. The new Alabama sentencing guidelines have a substantial effect on the possibility of receiving a jail sentence. For more information on the new Alabama sentencing guidelines please visit www.alabama-sentincing-guildelines.com, or view one of our other website pages containing information on the sentencing guidelines.

Because drug use is a correctable problem, most counties in Alabama have some type of deferred prosecution or drug court. Typically to be eligible for drug court your Alabama drug possession charges must be your first criminal charges. Under the typical Alabama County drug Court system, you would undergo treatment, drug testing, drug education, and other monitoring for a period of time between six months and a year. During this time you would make payments toward the cost of treatment, testing, and classroom drug education, as well as making payments on all court fines and fees. If you successfully complete a drug court program your charges may be dismissed. More Information On Drug Court.

Alabama drug possession charges are a serious matter. Conviction of an Alabama drug possession charge could lead to your incarceration, thousands of dollars in fines and court costs, having a felony on your permanent criminal record, loss of driving privileges, and the placing of yourself in danger of treatment as a habitual offender in the event of any future criminal charges. It is recommended that you seek experienced counsel from an Alabama criminal defense lawyer immediately upon being charged with any Alabama drug possession charges.