Penalties for Possession of Alprazolam (Xanax) In Louisiana – Schedule 4

On this page we will discuss the penalties for possession of alprazolam (Xanax) in Louisiana. You will learn more about Schedule 4 drug possession and how to handle drug possession if you are charged with such a crime.

In addition, you will find that no matter how much Alprazolam (Xanax) you have, it is a serious charge to be facing and it’s a felony charge as well. Remember that this is only if the medications are not prescribed to you or if you are using them incorrectly. Being prescribed alprazolam and using them as directed is not considered a criminal offense.

Let’s get into more of the penalties for possession of Alprazolam (Xanax) and what you can expect if you are charged with a crime such as this in Louisiana.

What Is Alprazolam (Xanax)

Xanax is also known as Alprazolam. This is a schedule 4 substance. It can be dangerous if not used as directed and is a serious crime. In addition to this, if you are in possession of Alprazolam in Louisiana without a medical reason to have it in your possession, you will be facing some serious charges. This is unless you hire a criminal defense attorney near you to help reduce your sentence and possibly get your drug possession charges dismissed.

You will find that Xanax can put you in prison for at least a year and fines. You could potentially be looking at five years in prison and a five thousand dollar fine. However, you will be sitting in prison for at least a year. Keep in mind that a judge could sentence someone to a shorter sentence with probation. 

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Intent to Distribute a Schedule 4 Drug in Louisiana 

Distributing Xanax is illegal. When someone has a lot of Xanax, they are selling. This is what the prosecutor will try to prove while the defendant may try to prove their innocence when distributing the drug. Police may search for large sums of cash, guns, or even multiple packaging containers. You found that you are caught with this. You will find that you will be imprisoned for at least a year. However, it could be up to five years. You will have a fine that will reach no more than fifteen thousand dollars. 

Those who are charged with this are found with a large amount of Xanax. The person is found with a large amount of Xanax. If a person intends on selling, they might have many different bags or packages to put the drug in. Keep in mind that if a person is represented well and does not have prior convictions, they could be released with probation. 

PRO TIP: Learn more about what happens when charged with drug possession in Louisiana in this post. We know it will be super helpful.

Distributing Xanax 

Distributing Xanax involves the selling or giving away of Xanax. Even if you give a willing party the drug, you are a distributor. It is a dangerous drug. That is why it is considered a controlled substance. It would be best if you always used Xanax as directed. Even if a person does not receive money for a drug, they are distributing it in the eyes of the law. 

There is a potential of imprisonment for distributing Xanax. As stated above, you will find that there are no more than five years in prison and up to fifteen thousand dollars in fines.  If the person being convicted does not have a record; has proper representation, a person could have probation instead of prison. However, keep in mind people can be released early from prison and have probation. 

When someone is distributing Xanax, they sell these drugs on the street. These drugs could come from someone with a prescription or another seller on the streets. Even if you give your friend one at a party, you are distributing and can face harsh punishments. 

When people obtain Xanax from another seller, you do not know what is in it. People have been lacing Xanax with Fentanyl. This means that a simple pill that someone would normally take would kill them. Fentanyl is an extremely dangerous drug that should not be messed with. Remember, if you are found with Xanax that contains Fentanyl, you could be charged with more than one offense. 

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Possessing Xanax 

You will find that Louisiana is a party place. It is a wonderful place for tourists as well. However, they are extremely strict on their laws on drugs. If you break the law with drugs in Louisiana, you will be charged. You may find yourself with a large fine and even jail or prison time. 

There are a lot of drugs that will be on the illegal list. If you have possession of any drug on that list, it is a criminal offense. You will be put in front of the judge in that state. 

Keep in mind that possessing Xanax and distributing it, they hold different sentences and fines. You could have a sentence with several modifiers on the case. If a small amount is found, officers will say it is for personal use. If an officer finds substantial amounts of Xanax, they will charge with intent to distribute. You may also receive a charge for manufacturing and trafficking.

Factors Contributing To Possession Of Alprazolam Charges And Penalties

Evidence

If someone has been charged with any of the above, they cannot be proven without evidence. You need to have evidence to convict someone without a doubt. The prosecutor must have enough evidence to ensure that the verdict is correct. One of the best things that someone facing these charges can do is hire the proper defense attorney. You want someone with experience to represent you. 

There must be enough evidence to convict someone without a doubt. If the prosecution has enough evidence, you may be sentenced to prison. There are also other sentences available. It is up to the judge, jury, and prosecutor. 

A prosecutor must prove a few things for someone to be convicted of a schedule 4 felony. This includes: 

• The victim must have known that the prescription was illegal without getting it from a doctor. 
• The prosecution must prove that you knew that you had it. No one had planted it on you. 
• The prosecution must prove that the drug was on the person at the time of the allegation. 

Avoid Talking to Police Without Attorney 

If you are pulled over; you know there are Xanax pills in your vehicle, remain calm. You will want to ensure that you are not talking to the police. You will answer questions and provide them with your registration and proof of insurance. However, do not answer any questions that could be incriminating. Everything you say could be used against you. 

You want to make it seem like you do not know that the drugs are there. If the police find Xanax, act surprised. If the police find the drug in your vehicle, do not proceed to answer questions. Make sure that your lawyer is present when you speak. Do not incriminate yourself. 

Hire A Xanax Defense Attorney

If you are charged with any of the above, make sure you hire an attorney. A criminal record and any criminal charges on your record is seriously a very big deal. A criminal record has the potential to ruin your life so you want to set yourself up for success.

You want to have the best defense attorney in the state. You do not want to go to court and represent yourself in this case. You should ensure that you have the best lawyers by your side. This will ensure that you are getting the smallest sentence.

Barkemeyer Law Firm is a criminal defense law firm with a unique specialization in drug charge defense. If you are in a situation where you are facing charges for drug possession of any type and wondering what the consequences may be, please give us a call or contact us at your convenience. We would be happy to guide you and point you towards the right resources and help lessen any penalties and charges you may be facing. We have locations throughout Louisiana, and look forward to your call and assisting with your case.

Conclusion: Penalties For Possession Of Alprazolam (Xanax) – Schedule 4

We hope this post has been informative in teaching you some of the important facts about alprazolam possession and the consequences you may be facing. Barkemeyer Law Firm is a top criminal defense law firm to help you with such charges. All you have to do is pick up the phone.

Now you should know the penalties for possession of alprazolam (Xanax) we wish you all the best.