Some people believe that felony drug charges only involve illegal street substances. However, in Kansas, criminal activity involving a prescription drug without a valid doctor’s order can be just as serious as carrying illicit drugs. Professionals and students often find themselves facing the legal system for medications that originally came from a pharmacy.
The legal reality of “study aids”
Medications such as Adderall and Xanax are strictly regulated under the Kansas Uniform Controlled Substances Act. If you possess these substances without a valid prescription in your own name, you are likely violating state law. Under the law:
- Adderall is classified as a Schedule II stimulant
- Xanax is categorized as a Schedule IV depressant
- Possession of either without a prescription is typically a Level 5 drug felony
These classifications mean that Kansas law treats the unauthorized use of these pills with significant weight.
The danger of sharing a dose
A common mistake among college students and young professionals is giving a dose to a friend who is stressed or needs to stay awake. Under the law, the act of giving a controlled substance to another person is legally defined as distribution.
This charge does not require a financial exchange or a large-scale operation to apply. Simply handing over a pill can trigger a high-level drug felony charge that carries a presumptive prison sentence under the Kansas sentencing guidelines.
Serious penalties for prescription drug offenses
In Kansas, a felony drug conviction carries heavy penalties that go well beyond a courtroom appearance.
For instance, fines for drug felonies in Kansas can reach as high as $100,000. Criminal convictions can land a person behind bars for anywhere from several months to several years, depending on the details of their case.
A felony drug offense can also result in the loss of professional licenses and the revocation of federal student loans. The record can make it difficult or impossible to hold certain jobs or live in certain places.
Criminal charges involving prescription drugs can be very complicated. They often hinge on specific details that dramatically impact the type and degree of charges and potential penalties. Considering how much can be on the line in these cases, it is wise to have legal support if you or someone you love is facing charges.