Tramadol Classification And Overview Of Penalties
Tramadol is a prescription drug classified under schedule IV for low risk of abuse and dependency. It is also classified as an oral analgesic that contains an opioid (narcotic) used to treat mild to severe pain. It recently became a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) due to growing concern of abuse, misuse, and addiction. If you are facing conviction of a first offense tramadol possession, it could lead to a misdemeanor charge. Penalties can include up to six months in prison and fines up to $1,000.
Reach out to Cleghorn Defense if you face charges of tramadol possession. Call for a consultation.
Defenses To Help Win A Schedule IV Possession Case
Some of the top defense tactics an experienced criminal defense attorney like Kerri Cleghorn might utilize in court are:
- Unlawful search and seizure: The fourth amendment guarantees that citizens are free from unreasonable search and seizure. Police must have probable cause before searching your property, otherwise, evidence found cannot be used in court.
- Miranda rights violation: If you are placed under arrest and you make a statement before police inform you of your right to remain silent, your statements cannot be used against you in court.
- Legal prescription: If you have a legal right to the drug in your possession, then it could negate initial probable cause and get your case dismissed.
Hire The Top Criminal Lawyer In Wisconsin
Kerri Cleghorn has been handling cases around southeast Wisconsin since 2003, which means that she has the experience and tenacity to defend you in court. Whether you’re facing your first drug offense or your fourth, she is ready to fight for you, and she won’t give up when it gets hard. Contact Cleghorn Defense today for a free consultation. We are an affordable defense team that will help win your case.
Answers To Your Tramadol Questions
What made the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classify tramadol as a schedule IV drug?
Previously tramadol was only a controlled substance in a few states, but in 2014 the DEA announced it would be classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance due to an increase in usage and abuse. Oxycontin abusers switched to tramadol because oxycontin wasn’t as easy to crush anymore.
What are other penalties for possessing tramadol?
Drug convictions can require you to pay additional surcharges that fund drug and alcohol prevention programs. More penalties for a drug conviction can lead to a license suspension of up to 5 years and community service requirements.
Will a prescription drug charge stay on your record for life?
Yes. Wisconsin takes drug-related offenses very seriously, and even if you’re not actually convicted of a criminal charge, it can still remain on your record for life.
Tramadol Intent To Distribute Penalties And Charges
If you are in possession of tramadol and intend to sell any amount, you may be facing a Class E felony charge. When the police charge you with intent to distribute, they loom for several factors:
- Drug quantity
- Drug street value
- Presence of manufacturing equipment
- Presence of drug paraphernalia
Penalties can include up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 for first offenses. Penalties can double with subsequent offenses. Class E felony convictions can also affect your life after you’ve served jail time. You may face restrictions on travel, employment, and voting rights. Penalties can always be more severe depending on the amount you had on the arrest. This kind of conviction will remain on your record for life and can never be expunged unless you have an experienced defense attorney on your side to fight the charges.
Contact Cleghorn Defense‘s Brookfield office for a free consultation on your possession case.