Get Answers.  Get Results. Criminal Law, DUI, Family Law, Divorce – (205) 737-4696

Get Answers. Get Results. Criminal Law, DUI, Family Law, Divorce – (205) 737-4696

TRAVIS T. JUNEAU

Misdemeanor Drug Defense

Drug Crimes in Alabama, whether misdemeanors or felonies, are treated very seriously by the courts. It is easy to quickly be consumed by fear and confusion if you or a loved one has recently been charged with a drug crime in Alabama. In between finding a Criminal Defense attorney and understanding the charges, many people face doubts and suspicions on the next steps in their case. 

It’s important to take any criminal charge against you seriously, even if it is a misdemeanor charge. People often misunderstand the severity of a misdemeanor and even worse, they believe, because it is a “lesser” charge, that the consequences will be insignificant. It’s arguable that defending against these charges can be more straightforward than defending against more severe felonies, but be advised that retaining the proper legal counsel is in your best interest.

What are misdemeanor drug charges in Alabama?

Alabama Statutes, especially with drug crimes, may be difficult to understand, especially if you are not trained on the nuances like a criminal defense lawyer. Illegal drugs are referred to in court as CDS – ‘Controlled Dangerous Substances.’

Alabama Drug Schedules

  1. High potential for abuse with no medical use. Marijuana, Mescaline, LSD, and heroin are the big names on this list.
  2. High potential for abuse, with ‘restricted medical use.’ Some drugs on this list are cocaine, methadone, and opium.
  3. Lower potential for abuse, accepted medical use. Amphetamines and codeine.
  4. Barbiturates and depressants. The legislature has deemed these are having lesser abusive tendencies than the schedules that proceed them.
  5. Low potential for abuse. This list can include substances derived from the substances above or substances. 

Misdemeanor Possession in Alabama:

For first time offenders, Marijuana possession for personal use is defined as a misdemeanor charge. This means being charged a second time may result in a Class D Felony. Possessing Marijuana for anything other than personal use is defined as a Class C Felony. Class A Misdemeanor charges can be punishable by up to a year in jail and $6,000 worth of fines. 

Possession of drug paraphernalia is also a Class A Misdemeanor. This includes the possession of bongs, pipes, tubes and other drug apparatus.

Contact Us Today.

When you need a trial lawyer, I’m here for you. As a former Tuscaloosa prosecutor, I know the ins and outs of criminal law from DUI law, drug law, violent crimes, theft, and everything in between, I’ll put that knowledge to work for you.