Examining the Virginia Schedules for Illegal Drugs & Other Substances
The Commonwealth of Virginia employs strict laws against, and stringent penalties for, various drug crimes. Any person who possesses or distributes illegal drugs — referred to legally as controlled substances — can face jail or prison time and steep fines. In many cases, the corresponding punishment for a drug crime can change based on the schedule, or classification, of illegal drugs in question.
Schedule I Controlled Substances
The conditions for classifying a controlled substance in Schedule I appear in Code of Virginia Section 54.1-3445. Under this section, a controlled substance will be classified in Schedule I if:
- There is a high likelihood of abuse; and
- The substance in question is not acceptable or safe for medical use in the United States.
Examples of Schedule I controlled substance include, but are not limited to:
- Ecstasy;
- Heroin;
- LSD; and
- Opiates.
Schedule II Controlled Substances
The conditions for classifying a controlled substance in Schedule II appear in Code of Virginia Section 54.1-3447. Under this section, a controlled substance will be classified in Schedule II if:
- There is a high likelihood of abuse;
- The substance in question is accepted but restricted for medical use in the United States; and
- Abuse of the substance in question may lead to serious physical or mental addiction.
Examples of Schedule II controlled substance include, but are not limited to:
- Cocaine;
- Hydrocodone;
- Methamphetamine;
- Opium; and
- PCP.
Schedule III Controlled Substances
The conditions for classifying a controlled substance in Schedule III appear in Code of Virginia Section 54.1-3449. Under this section, a controlled substance will be classified in Schedule III if:
- There is a likelihood of abuse, but less than that for Schedule I/II substances;
- The substance in question is accepted for medical use in the United States; and
- Abuse of the substance in question may lead to serious mental addiction or low to moderate physical addiction.
Examples of Schedule III controlled substance include, but are not limited to:
- Anabolic steroids;
- Benzphetamine; and
- Ketamine.
Schedule IV Controlled Substances
The conditions for classifying a controlled substance in Schedule IV appear in Code of Virginia Section 54.1-3451. Under this section, a controlled substance will be classified in Schedule IV if:
- There is a low likelihood of abuse, as compared to Schedule III substances;
- The substance in question is accepted for medical use in the United States; and
- Abuse of the substance in question may lead to limited mental or physical addiction, as compared to Schedule III substances.
Examples of Schedule IV controlled substance include, but are not limited to:
- Alprazolam (Xanax);
- Diazepam (Valium); and
- Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol).
Do You Need Legal Help?
If you need legal assistance with drug crime charges in Virginia, it can be demonstrably constructive to consult with an experienced Leesburg drug crimes lawyer. The lawyers at Simms Showers LLP demonstrate the skills and experience needed to defend against a variety of criminal charges, including drug crimes. If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free initial consultation.
