Criminal Defense for Controlled Substances in Erie, PA 

Controlled substances are various types of drugs that federal and state governments consider to be available only through a valid prescription. There are different categories or "schedules" of drugs in order to classify how dangerous they are capable of being.

Schedule 1 classification includes substances, drugs, or chemicals that have no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Examples include heroin, LSD, and marijuana. Schedule 2 classification includes drugs, substances, or chemicals with a high potential for abuse but less than schedule 1. Abuse of schedule 2 substances have a high potential of leading to psychological or physical dependence. Some examples include cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, and adderall. Schedule 3 classification includes drugs, substances, or chemicals with a moderate or low potential for physical or psychological dependence. Some examples include codeine, ketamine, and testosterone. Schedule 4 classification includes drugs, substances, or chemicals with a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. Some examples are Xanax and Valium. Schedule 5 classification includes drugs, substances, or chemicals that consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. Generally, they are used for antidiarrheal, antitussive, and analgesic purposes.

Possession of a controlled substance occurs whenever a person owns or otherwise possesses a drug or other illegal substance. It's important to note that some legally available drugs, such as prescription medications, qualify as controlled substances, and possession charges are possible if the person possessing the medication does not have a proper prescription.