Methadone is a drug prescribed to treat the symptoms of addiction and addiction itself. The drug is a synthetic opioid that comes from the same substances used to make heroin and morphine. Methadone is identified by numerous different names including Symoron, Dolophine, Amidone, and Methadose. Ironically, methadone itself is addicting and becomes extremely dangerous when mixed with other drugs.
The misuse and abuse of methadone have skyrocketed in recent years which has resulted in law enforcement taking a hard stance against those caught in possession of the drug. If you are facing methadone possession charges, be sure to secure legal counsel from a seasoned drug possession lawyer.
The Orlando methadone possession lawyers at The Umansky Law Firm are passionate criminal defense lawyers dedicated to their clients’ success. A drug charge conviction does not only leave a permanent stain on your criminal record, but it can also result in years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. Bring your legal issue to us and allow us to walk you through your legal options moving forward.
Methadone is a controlled substance under FDA regulations. One can legally possess methadone with a valid prescription. However, illegally obtaining methadone with a fraudulent prescription, for example, can result in health care fraud charges. Criminal drug possession charges are also a possibility of being caught in actual or constructive possession of the drug.
The U.S. government classifies methadone as a Schedule II opioid due to its high potential for addiction and abuse. Some other commonly used Schedule II drugs include oxycodone, methamphetamine, morphine, and codeine. Possessing at least four grams of any of the aforementioned drugs is a first-degree felony in Florida punishable by a mandatory prison sentence and thousands of dollars in fines.
Depending on the amount caught in your possession, you may face trafficking penalties which have even more severe criminal penalties. In either case, it is essential that you have an attorney by your side who can mitigate charges and sentences in your favor.
If the state wants to convict you for illegal possession of methadone possession they must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you’re guilty. If they are unable to prove that you committed the crime, the judge can throw away the case, allowing you to walk free.
Proving actual possession is relatively straightforward as law enforcement found the drug on your person. Constructive possession, however, can be more complex as the drug was only found in the general area. The three essential elements the prosecution needs to prove in a constructive possession case are as follows:
The state will put their best foot forward when pursuing a conviction. Do your part in protecting your rights by securing the legal representation of an experienced drug possession defense lawyer.
Criminal penalties only become an issue if you get convicted for the charge. Our job as your legal defense team is to present the most applicable defenses to your charges to help have charges lessened or dismissed altogether.
Law enforcement conduct is something that always come under structiny in drug crimes as they will often aggressively pursue an arrest of individuals who they suspect to be committing drug crimes. In doing so, they often overstep their authority. We can identify these missteps and use them to your advantage.
Some of the most common defenses to drug possession charges include:
The Orlando methadone possession defense lawyers at The Umansky Law Firm have over 100 years of combined experience and understand how to represent the accused effectively. The state is unrelenting in how they prosecute alleged criminals and often unknowingly violate their rights in the process. We are here not only to serve as your representation in the court of law but also to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
