Fentanyl is at the forefront of the opioid crisis in America. According to the National Vital Statistics System (HCHS), about 150 people die every day due to overdoses related to synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. This potent synthetic opioid drug is available in two forms – pharmaceutical fentanyl, which is prescribed by doctors to treat severe pain, especially after surgery, and illegally made fentanyl. It is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent and a major contributor to fatal and near-fatal overdoses.
Fentanyl is often distributed through the illegal drug market and added to other drugs due to its potency. This tends to make other drugs cheaper, more powerful, more addictive, and more importantly, more dangerous to users. In the illegal drug market, fentanyl comes in liquid and powder form. The power looks like many other drugs and can be mixed with heroin, cocaine, and other drugs. Liquid fentanyl is often added to nasal sprays and eye drops. You cannot see, taste, or smell it if other products have been laced with it.
Federal Penalties
In the landscape of federal drug charges, fentanyl-related offenses stand out due to their severity and the strict guidelines governing them. The penalties for fentanyl possession, distribution, or manufacturing are particularly harsh due to the drug’s high potency and the risk it poses to public health.
Drugs are categorized into schedules by the federal government and fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II drug. This classification affects the legal outcomes for those accused of fentanyl-related crimes.
First Offense- If this is your first offense, the penalty may include no less than five to ten years and no more than 40 years to life depending on the quality of possession. If death or serious injury occurred, you may be subject to 20 years to life and a fine of $5-50 million.
Second Offense- Federal drug charges for a second offense may include no less than 10-20 years and no more than life. Fines range from $8 million to $75 million depending on the situation and if someone was injured or there were serious injuries.
Rely on Our Federal Crime Attorney
If you are facing federal drug charges for fentanyl in the Odessa, TX area, you will need an experienced federal crime attorney to help fight for you. At Chavez Law Firm, we are prepared to support our clients through these complex legal proceedings and are committed to providing strong defense services tailored to your charges. We guide our clients through their challenging times and help negotiate plea deals.
If you have found yourself tangled in federal drug possession charges, reach out today for the best possible outcome in your case.
