It’s been known for years that illegal drugs could be chemically altered so that they no longer met the legal definition of an illegal substance, but still delivered much the same result when taken by users. Because these altered substances were not technically illegal, it was difficult to convict those who were making, selling, or using them.
That has changed in recent years. States across the nation, including Indiana, have raced to catch up to and keep pace with the creation of synthetic opioids, fentanyl analogs, and other so-called “designer drugs.” Indiana’s list of so-called “Schedule 1” drugs now covers:
- More than 80 different formulations of Opiates, plus their “isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, esters, and ethers”
- More than 20 Opium derivatives plus their “salts, isomers, and salts of isomers”
- Over 50 Hallucinogenic substances as well as their “salts, isomers, and salts of isomers”
- A number of Depressants known by a variety of names, as well as their “salts, isomers, and salts of isomers”
- Dozens of Stimulants, including their “salts, isomers, and salts of isomers”
- More than 100 Synthetic drugs, including compounds derived from a series of synthetic drugs.
As a result, it is more likely than ever that a so-called “designer drug” is an illegal Schedule 1 drug in Indiana.
Consequences of Being Caught With Schedule 1 Drugs
In Indiana, there can be serious consequences if you are caught with any amount of a Schedule 1 drug. These vary depending on how much of the drug you had with you and whether or not law enforcement believes you were involved in selling or manufacturing it. Penalties can range from up to 180 days in jail and a $1000 fine for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana (a Class B misdemeanor) to more than 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine for larger amounts of narcotics and other types of drugs.
Notably, even though the federal government has recently reclassified marijuana from a Schedule 1 drug to a much less serious Schedule 3 drug, it remains a Schedule 1 drug in Indiana as of this writing.
Razumich & Associates Can Defend You Against Drug Charges
If you have been charged with possessing, selling, or manufacturing illegal drugs of any type, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. At Razumich & Associates, we have defended clients across Indiana who have been charged with a wide range of drug-related offenses. We know what it takes to build and assert a strong defense, and we know how to protect our clients’ rights from day one.
Don’t wait to get an experienced criminal defense attorney if you’ve been charged with a drug-related crime. Call Razumich & Associates today at 317-983-5333, or fill out our online contact form. We are here for you 24/7 to give you the strong defense you need.
