Drug Offenses Attorney DC Calls Answers Drug Possession Crimes FAQs

Drug offenses attorney DC

When most people think of Washington DC drug charges, they think the drugs involved are illegal drugs, like cocaine and heroin. However, as a DC drug offenses attorney can explain, possession of prescription drugs can also fall into drug offenses category.

According to national statistics, there are almost 55 million people who have used prescription medications for nonmedical use. At least two million of those people have used medications for nonmedical use in the past year. The opioid epidemic is testament to just how much of a crisis this issue is. 

In Washington DC and all across the country, the number of people arrested for possession or use of prescription drugs without a valid prescription rises each year. This is largely due to how addictive many of these medications are. At the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., each DC drug offenses attorney has represented many clients who are struggling with addiction. 

A DC drug offenses attorney knows that many people who are arrested on prescription drug charges often started off as legal prescription holders. Either they had surgery or had some kind of injury that resulted in their physician prescribing the medication for pain. Because these narcotics are highly addictive, many patients are not able to stop using the drugs when the prescription runs out and they can no longer get the medication from their pharmacy. At this point, and with a full-blown narcotic addiction, many of these people turn to illegal means to obtain the drugs.

Some of the most common prescription medications that people are arrested for include Ketamine, OxyContin, Vicodin, and Xanax. It is important for people to realize that even possession of one pill when you don’t have a prescription for the medication can result in being charged with a drug offense.

The more dangerous the drug, the more serious the charges and the potential penalties if convicted. Drugs are divided into the following categories:

Schedule I Drugs

  • Heroin
  • Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
  • Marijuana (cannabis)*
  • Methaqualone
  • Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy)
  • Peyote

Schedule II Drugs

  • Adderall
  • Cocaine
  • Dexedrine
  • Fentanyl
  • Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
  • Meperidine (Demerol)
  • Methadone
  • Methamphetamine
  • Oxycodone (OxyContin)
  • Ritalin

Schedule III Drugs

  • Anabolic steroids
  • Combination products with less than 15 milligrams of hydrocodone per dosage unit (Vicodin)
  • Ketamine
  • Products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit (Tylenol with codeine)
  • Testosterone

Schedule IV Drugs

  • Ambien
  • Ativan
  • Darvocet
  • Darvon
  • Soma
  • Talwin
  • Valium
  • Xanax

Schedule V Drugs

  • Cough preparations with less than 200 milligrams of codeine or per 100 milliliters (Robitussin AC)
  • Lomotil
  • Lyrica
  • Motofen
  • Parepectolin​

A drug offense in Washington DC can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the type of drug, the amount of drug the person has. Both classifications can result in some kind of jail or prison time if the person is convicted.

If you have been charged with a drug offense, contact a DC drug offenses attorney from the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. today. Our legal team will work diligently to make sure your rights are protected, and you get the best outcome possible based on the circumstances of your case.

Drug Offenses Attorney DC Calls Answers Drug Possession Crimes FAQs

If you have been arrested for or charged with drug possession, you likely have many questions going through your mind about what may happen during the life of your case. This is particularly true if you are unfamiliar with the legal system or if this is your first drug offense. Consider the following frequently asked questions and answers as you begin to plan for the months ahead and for your defense.

  1. Am I the only one? No. Drug possession crimes are very common in the United States. Many people are facing criminal charges at a young age for possessing a relatively small amount of an illegal drug. People may face drug possession charges for a range of illegal drugs, from marijuana to prescription medication. In a time when many states are relaxing their drug laws specifically regarding marijuana, criminal charges regarding low-level possession can seem unfair, but they are still very frequent.
  2. What will happen if I am convicted? Drug possession charges are typically the most minor of all drug infractions but can still carry severe penalties, depending on your state’s laws. Each state has its own set of rules regarding drug crimes which may include minimum or maximum sentencing guidelines for judges and juries to use in the event of a conviction. These guidelines can vary significantly among the states, but, even a minor drug charge can carry jail time, fines, and even the loss of your driver’s license. Other factors that will affect your sentencing is whether you have been previously convicted of a crime, the amount of the drug in your possession, and the type of drug in your possession.
  3. What can I do to defend myself? Depending on the facts and circumstances of your case, there may be many available defenses to the drug possession charges. Again, what specific defenses are available to you will vary by state, so it is important to know the law in your area. However, common defenses include a challenge to the way the police officer found the drugs in your possession. Police officers must have a reasonable suspicion of illegal activity before they search you for drugs. If a police officer lacked this reasonable suspicion, also called “probable cause,” it is possible that the prosecution will be prevented from using the evidence gathered to convict you. A drug offenses attorney in DC can evaluate all the evidence against you and determine the best line of defense to take.
  4. Can I bargain my way out? Perhaps. If you are willing to adhere to court mandates regarding random drug testing, substance abuse treatment, and perhaps a fine and loss of your license, you may be able to avoid jail time. This is more likely if this is your first drug offense, if you show remorse for your actions, and the general facts and circumstances of your case.

Perhaps the most important question you should be asking yourself is: should I hire a drug offenses attorney. The answer is a resounding “yes.” Hiring a competent and experienced drug offenses attorney DC clients rely on in your area who is familiar with drug possession crimes is the best thing you can do for your case. There is no replacement for having a knowledgeable legal advocate in your corner when it is time to defend yourself against a drug possession charge.

If you have been charged with a drug crime, you should consider seeking advice from a drug offenses attorney DC trusts. Frederick J. Brynn can help to make sense of these charges, explain the details of your case, and devise a legal strategy. Frederick J. Brynn of the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. draws upon his years of experience when defending our clients against drug charges. He can fight on your behalf to reach the most positive resolution possible. If you would like to speak with a DC drug offenses attorney, please call us today.

The Importance of Hiring a Skilled Defense Attorney

A drug charge, whether you are guilty of the offense or not, is not an easy situation to be in. Your future is at stake. Being found guilty can lead to various consequences that cause a ripple effect for years to come. A drug conviction can make it difficult or impossible to get a good job, car or home loan, rental housing, and can negatively impact personal relationships. Without a drug offenses attorney DC respects on your side, you may experience significant repercussions from a conviction.

By retaining a drug offenses attorney in DC, you might have your charges reduced or dropped. Call the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. to find out how we may be able to help you.

Possible Consequences of Your Drug Offenses

In DC, drug offenses can lead to serious consequences. A drug offenses attorney DC community members work with understands that a drug conviction may result in any or all of the following:

  • Jail or prison time
  • Large fines
  • Loss of child custody or visitation
  • Loss of professional license or accreditation
  • Inability to apply for financial aid
  • Inability to secure rental housing in certain areas
  • Permanent criminal record

How a Drug Offenses Attorney DC Recommends Can Help

The process of defending a client in a drug case is often very complex. It’s important to give yourself the best chance of getting an outcome that is fair for you. To do this, you should hire an experienced drug offenses attorney DC is proud to have in the community. An attorney from our firm may be able to achieve one or more of the following solutions on your behalf:

  • An in-depth, thorough investigation of your case
  • Assertion of your Constitutional rights
  • Protection of your rights
  • Building a strong defense
  • Challenging any evidence
  • Pleading for leniency
  • Persuasion for a drug diversion program
  • Full case dismissal

Call the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. Now

If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug offense, the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. can devote the necessary time to understand every detail and angle of your case so you receive the strongest defense and the best possible outcome.

As a drug offenses attorney DC relies on, Frederick J. Brynn of the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. can protect your rights. If you would like to schedule a free consultation with a drug offenses attorney DC turns to for trusted legal counsel, call the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. today.

Drug Offenses Attorney DC Calls Answers Drug Possession Crimes FAQs

If you or a loved one are in need of legal assistance regarding a drug-related offense, it would be in your best interest to contact a drug offenses attorney clients can trust in DC.

What are the different types of drug-related offenses?

Many individuals charged with drug offenses are in possession of illegal prescription drugs. Most of them had a prescription at one time for a prescription drug due to pain, or an injury. Because the prescription medication is highly addictive, when the prescription ended, the user was already addicted. If their pharmacy or doctor would not refill their medication, then these individuals may seek illegal ways in which to secure their prescription drugs. Examples of highly addictive prescription medications that are often associated with drug offenses include Xanax, OxyContin, Ketamine, and Vicodin. Users should be aware that possessing even one unprescribed prescription drug could warrant a drug offense. 

How can drug offenses attorneys help their clients?

Drug offenses attorneys assist their clients in a myriad of different ways. The following are a few of the main ways in which their services help. Lawyers who specialize in drug-related law can go through their client’s cases,  investigate, and gather evidence. With years of training, education, and practice attorneys understand the ins and outs of their client’s constitutional rights and will ensure that their client’s rights are upheld and protected throughout the entirety of the legal process. Building a strong defense is done through the meticulous and careful work of drug offenses attorneys. 

What is considered to be a drug offenses attorneys’ role?

If evidence is in need of challenging, it is within the attorney’s right to do so. If the case warrants, a wise lawyer will plead for leniency. In some instances, attorneys will strive for a full case dismissal. It is also in a drug offenses attorney’s role to try to obtain a drug diversion program for their client if the situation proves beneficial. To understand more of what a drug offenses attorney’s role is and is not, contact your local DC attorney’s office. 

What happens following an arrest?

Each state varies on its specific laws regarding drug charges. Judges and juries will adhere to state law regarding the minimum and maximum sentencing of drug-related crimes. If an individual is arrested and charged with drug possession, it is considered a minor drug infraction. However, this charge could still have severe penalties and consequences. For example, a minor drug infraction, such as drug possession could still end in your driver’s license being taken away.  jail time, and fines. The judge and jury will also consider other factors in their sentencing. These other factors will include what type of drugs, and how many were found in possession, as well as if the convicted has a previous record of crime or not. 

What is the legal step that occurs after an arrest?

Following an arrest, the individual should contact a drug offenses attorney. During the initial consultation, the attorney will answer any and all questions their client may have regarding their charge, sentencing, and the legal process. If you are in need of legal representation regarding a drug-related offense, contact a DC drug offenses attorney today.