Controlled Substance

Possession of controlled substances (also called PCS) is a type of drug-defined offense in Ohio. This is a type of crime that means you have directly violated a law regulating or prohibiting the manufacture, possession, distribution or use of a drug. Any substance, drug, mixture or compound that has the potential to be dangerous to body when ingested may be considered a controlled substance, iincluding the following:

• Natural substances such as marijuana, peyote, mescaline, or psilocyn (“shrooms” or “magic mushrooms”)
• Illegal drugs such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine (“crystal meth”), and ecstasy
• Medications (with or without a prescription), including narcotics like Vicodin, Oxycontin, Oxycodone, or Hydrocodone as well as other drugs like Valium, Ritalin, Ativan, and Xanax

Controlled dangerous substances (also called CDS) are divided into five “schedules.” Schedule I and II level CDS are those with a high likelihood of abuse and few or no known medical uses. Schedules III, IV, and V are less dangerous and have more medical uses, but are still known to be abused and possibly dangerous if taken inappropriately.

PCS charges cover a broad range of substances and can be impacted by a variety of other factors including amount found in your possession and your prior record. As a result, defense of PCS charges is highly nuanced. If you have been charged with PCS, it is important that you do not talk to the police. Instead, seek the advice of an experienced drug crimes attorney. We provide free consultations to clients in the Akron area.

A Criminal Record Can Limit Your Professional Reputation

There are two main types of possession in the State of Ohio: actual possession and constructive possession. Actual possession means that the substance was found on your body or otherwise physically in your possession. Constructive possession, on the other hand, means you knew the substance was there, knew it was illegal, and that it was close enough for you possess it.

Additionally, it is possible to be charged with possession of a controlled substance even if you obtained the substance in question legally. Usually these are trafficking charges, which means the prosecution is alleging that you were selling or giving prescription drugs to individuals who did not have a prescription. Other charges that may be associated with PCS include possession without a valid prescription and prescription fraud.

Law enforcement and the prosecution tend to pursue such cases quite aggressively. Consequences often include jail or prison time and fines. Professional licenses and eligibility for student financial aid can also be at risk, and a criminal record can limit your professional reputation and career trajectory. If you have been charged with possession of a controlled substance in Akron, contact us to have your questions answered and learn about your defense options.