The specifics of a narcotics charges depend on the drug, the amount of drug, prior convictions, the alleged context of the crime & possession, possession with intent to deliver, to sell or to distribute. Penalties are only in play if the charge is convicted.
Milwaukee Drug Lawyer Advises on the Penalties for Possession of Prescription Pills, Including Pain Killers and Other Narcotics
Getting caught with prescription drugs like Vicodin, OxyContin, Oxycodone, Adderall, Valium, Percocet, Ambien, etc. spells big trouble. For adults and minors being charged with possession of narcotics in Wisconsin, penalties will vary on a case-by-case basis. Legal ramifications for drug charges in Wisconsin may be determined by the type of narcotic, the amount in possession, if there was intent to deliver, sell or distribute and if the individual has had past misdemeanors or criminal offenses. If charges brought against you don't seem to fit into any of the most common felony/misdemeanor classes, look into Wisconsin Class U misdemeanors.
Below, our Milwaukee drug lawyer explains how possession of narcotics charges can affect adults, minors, college students and college medical students.
Possession of Narcotics: Penalties for Adults
When adults are charged with possession of narcotics in Wisconsin the penalties may include jail time, probation, steep fines, a drug and alcohol assessment, court-ordered rehab, driver’s license suspension, plus more. Again, this all depends on the details of the case, as well as if you have had any prior criminal or misdemeanor convictions.
Possession of Narcotics: Penalties for Minors
Even with minors, penalties for narcotic possession of prescription drugs can be severe. Minors charged with possession of narcotics in Wisconsin risk other life-altering consequences, like being disqualified for subsidized federal funding for college. This may include disqualification for student loans, grants, federal scholarships and financial aid. Minors may also have to serve time in a youth or juvenile detention center (juvie/juvenile correction facility), have their driver’s license suspended, have to pay substantial fines, receive court-ordered rehab, plus more.
You Are Only Guilty If You Are Convicted
Possession of Narcotics: Penalties for College Students
College students being charged with possession of narcotics are perhaps at the greatest risk for receiving the most severe penalties. Like minors charged with possession of narcotics, college students also risk disqualification for subsidized school tuition funding. Again, depending on the details of the case, (type of narcotic, amount of narcotic, intent to deliver/sell/distribute, previous criminal or misdemeanor charges, etc.) the young adult may face jail time, probation, hefty fines, a drug and alcohol assessment, court-ordered rehab, driver’s license suspension, or more.
Possession of Narcotics: Penalties for Medical Students
For college students studying medicine or a related field, being charged with possession of narcotics can be especially devastating. If the student planned to be a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, pharmaceutical rep or virtually anything else in the medical or pharmaceutical industry and is convicted of possession of narcotics, these career paths are usually no longer an option.
Milwaukee Criminal Defense Attorney Experienced in Drug Charges
As a Milwaukee criminal defense attorney experienced in drug charges, Tom Grieve has helped countless families and individuals get serious charges like these reduced or dropped completely. Whether it’s a first-offense possession of narcotics, a repeat offense or a first-offense DUI, Tom Grieve handles it all. As a former prosecutor and current defender, Tom Grieve has a nuanced understanding of Wisconsin’s drug laws and loopholes. Tom has received multiple honors and awards for his remarkable defense work, including from local publications, like Milwaukee Magazine and Madison Magazine, as well as national associations like The National Trial Lawyers, Super Lawyers and Avvo.com.
If you or a loved one is being charged with possession of narcotics or possession with intent to deliver/sell/distribute, turn to Milwaukee drug lawyer and criminal defense attorney Tom Grieve. Grieve Law fights all criminal defense charges, including OWI penalties and firearm possession. With Tom at your defense, you stand the absolute best chance at getting these life-changing charges reduced or dropped.
Remember, the sooner you meet with our Milwaukee drug defense attorney, the more time we have to build a strategic and powerful defense for your case.
Contact our Milwaukee drug defense attorney now and schedule a FREE consultation for yourself or a loved one.
In Wisconsin, how long does a Narcotic charge stay on your record?
Narcotic charges in Wisconsin could result in a $1,000 fine or much more sever penalties for a felony conviction, but charges alone could remain on someone's record for life.