Vicodin Possession in New York: Legal Implications and Penalties

What You Need to Know About Vicodin

Vicodin is a popular prescription drug that is categorized as an opioid. If you're found in possession of these pills without a prescription, it can result in serious legal implications. You need to know how to handle the charges against you, which is why it's important to turn to Brooklyn Vicodin possession lawyers. Vicodin is an opioid drug that contains hydrocodone. In most cases, it is prescribed as a pain medication for back injuries, dental work and other severe physical pain issues. It can be highly addictive, which is why it's only available by prescription. It is categorized as an opioid, too, making it highly desirable on the streets. There are state and federal laws about being in possession of Vicodin if it's not being prescribed to you. Even if you know someone who has a prescription and they have given you some of the pills, it is against the law. If your name isn't on the prescription bottle, you have broken the law. Possession of Vicodin means you have it without a prescription. Under New York state law, this is a Class A misdemeanor charge of criminal possession of a controlled substance. Although it is not a felony, you could still face up to one year in prison.

Understanding Vicodin Possession Charges

It's important to look at the various drug offenses that you face. There are quite a few factors to look at to determine what kind of penalty you could be up against. The charges may be possession and sale or distribution. It's not just Vicodin, either. That is just one brand name. If you are in possession of any hydrocodone pill without a prescription, the laws remain the same. Possession of any controlled substance can be troublesome. However, if you only have a small amount, it is possible to be charged with a misdemeanor instead of a felony. Additionally, the maximum sentence would be a year in jail.

Penalties for Vicodin Possession

The penalties for Vicodin possession will vary based on how many pills you have, if you had the intent to sell, and whether this is your first drug charge offense or not. You may be looking at up to 15 years in state prison as well as a number of fines that you will have to pay. Obviously, you don't want to spend 15 years behind bars. It is why you need to work with a lawyer who has experience with Brooklyn drug possession laws.

Classification of Possession Charges

If you are in possession of more than 1/8 of an ounce of Vicodin without a prescription, you will be charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. This Class C felony could land you up to 15 years in prison. The more Vicodin you have, the stiffer the fine and sentence. Depending on how much you are in possession of, you could receive a life sentence. Large amounts, such as anything over four ounces, can result in a Class A-II felony, which results in a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Sale and Distribution Penalties

The sale of Vicodin is an even more serious offense. Each selling offense, no matter how much you are selling, is a felony. If you sell Vicodin, you could serve up to 25 years in prison. Fines can range up to $50,000. Opioids like Vicodin are widely abused by people of all walks of life. The buying and selling of opioids like Vicodin can net you serious jail time. Vicodin is at epidemic levels. Many people are also overdosing and dying in droves. The state of New York is cracking down on Vicodin and other opioids. If you are caught selling or in possession of the drug without a prescription, you can face some very serious penalties. The crimes for Vicodin possession fall in the categories of selling and distributing.

Sentencing Considerations and Drug Treatment Options

Sentencing laws with Vicodin are based on many factors including prior criminal history, and how many felony convictions. However, many of the individuals who possess Vicodin and commit crimes do so because they are addicted. Because of this, courts offer individuals a way to avoid prison through a drug treatment program.

Drug Treatment Program Requirements

You must abide by all the rules and regulations including:

• Agree to specific plea agreement
• Pending charge must be a B, C, D, or E felony
• Substance abuse must be the main factor for you committing crimes
• You will benefit from drug treatment
• Over the last 10 years you have had no violent convictions

If you successfully go through drug treatment, the court will look upon this favorably and it will be considered during the sentencing phase. People who commit drug offenses should be well-versed on the consequences. You could end up spending a great deal of time in jail away from friends and family.

How Brooklyn Vicodin Possession Lawyers Can Help

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You don't want to go through the legal process on your own. There are many court appearances that will need to be made, including the arraignment where you plead guilty or not guilty. What you say here can determine the rest of your case. You don't want to speak one way or another until you have had legal counsel. Brooklyn Vicodin possession lawyers can look at the details of your case to find out what happened. We may be able to reduce charges and have charges dropped. If you're innocent, we'll prove it. If you're guilty, we'll fight for the most lenient sentencing possible.

Examining Police Conduct and Search Issues

Further, it's important to look at what happened when the police found the Vicodin. What were you doing? Did they find any other drugs or firearms? How the police handled the inspection will be critical when looking at ways to defend you, too. There are only certain things that the police officers can do when they conduct a search. If they didn't have probable cause, it may be possible to get your charges dropped.

Defense Strategy Goals

Our goal when working with you is to reduce your sentencing so that you spend less time behind bars. If you are charged with either possessing or selling Vicodin or any other opioid, you will need to hire an experienced attorney who is familiar with drug defense.

Get Legal Help Today

If you get charged with drug possession, there is no guarantee that you will get off easy. You need to find an experienced attorney to help you explore your options. This is true especially if you have been arrested before on these charges. Contact us today to let us review your case. From there, we can look at what can be done to help you with accusations of being in possession of Vicodin without a prescription. Don't deal with Brooklyn Vicodin Possession charges alone. Speak to the Spodek Law Group today. Get representation today.