Some people have a difficult time focusing or committing to complex tasks. Those with neurological conditions, including attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) sometimes require medication to meet the expectations in a traditional academic environment. The stimulant drugs prescribed for those with ADD and ADHD have a powerful impact on someone’s performance.
Some people abuse these prescribed medications, including Adderall. They take the medication to stay up and focus intently for an extended period, often when facing a deadline. College students and young professionals are among those who might misuse stimulants given the opportunity. There is a thriving secondary market for Adderall and similar medications. What happens if someone gets caught giving or selling their medication to someone else?
Florida has strict penalties for controlled substance violations
It is a crime to sell medication to other people even if the person conducting the sale has a valid prescription. In fact, it is illegal to transfer medication to others even if the person transferring the medication does not make money on the transaction.
Giving or selling a controlled substance to another person is usually a second-degree felony offense in Florida. The penalties possible if someone pleads guilty include 15 years in state custody, 15 years of probation and $10,000 in fines. If the total weight of the medication is over 10 grams, then the state could pursue first-degree felony charges. The penalties possible include 30 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Merely possessing Adderall or similar medications without a valid prescription could lead to third-degree felony charges. The other party involved could be at risk of up to five years in state custody and $5,000 in fines.
Everyone involved in a scenario involving an unlicensed transfer of Adderall or similar medication could end up facing criminal consequences should the state discover the situation. Those who understand the rules enshrined in Florida’s current controlled substances laws can avoid scenarios in which mistakes might lead to criminal prosecution.
If someone does get arrested for sharing their medication with others, there may be options for responding to those pending charges successfully. Understanding the consequences of well-intentioned mistakes may leave people quite anxious about what happens after a drug-related arrest. Those who discuss their situation with a lawyer may feel more confident about their ability to respond to pending allegations in informed and supported ways.
