Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance and is illegal to possess without a valid prescription in Georgia. This article will give you some background into fentanyl as well as defense of possession charges relating to fentanyl, and similar opioids.
What is Fentanyl?
Fentanyl is a very strong synthetic opioid introduced in the 1960s and used in pain management and anesthesia. Fentanyl can be administered orally, by a transdermal patch, and injected. While fentanyl does have medically accepted purposes, it is a drug of abuse and its use in Georgia is rampant as a replacement for heroin, or other opioids. Fentanyl is roughly 100 times more potent than morphine, and abused for its intense, euphoric effects. Drug dealers commonly lace heroin with fentanyl to increase their drugs' effects.
Fentanyl is being unlawfully obtained by theft, prescription fraud, and even manufactured in clandestine laboratories feeding a black market for the drug.
Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance and Fentanyl in Georgia
Under Georgia law, it is a felony to illegally possess fentanyl- which is a Schedule II controlled substance- without a prescription. At a minimum, those convicted of possession of the drug face 1-3 years in prison, along with probation, fines, treatment, testing, and other special conditions of probation. Additionally, selling or possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl and other opiates carries enhanced penalties.
Fentanyl can also lead to DUI charges, as it is illegal to drive under the influence of the drug if it makes you less safe to drive. Since fentanyl is a lawfully prescribed drug, it is not enough for the prosecutor to just show fentanyl was in your blood while driving. The prosecutor must show that the drug actually impaired your ability to drive, regardless of whether you legally or illegally consumed it.
Fentanyl and Drug Defense Lawyers
Our lawyers have defended hundreds of drug cases, including those dealing with fentanyl, heroin, morphine, and similar opiates. At Zeliff | Watson, we take an individual approach to each case, as there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all defense. In addition to collecting all evidence, negotiating with the state's prosecutors and representing you in all hearings, we will work with any treatment providers you have, and can even help find treatment specialists, if necessary.
If you have been charged with possession of a controlled substance like fentanyl, give us a call or contact us through our website today. There are other options besides simply going to court and pleading guilty. At Zeliff | Watson, we strive to not only defend your case and clear your record, but to truly help our clients get the resources they need to live a clean and sober life.