Xanax is best known as a prescribed pill that doctors give out to patients in order to treat anxiety and panic disorder. But did you know that you can be arrested for having even just one unprescribed Xanax pill on you? Xanax happens to be the most common prescription drug that is often illegally obtained through theft or prescription fraud. The legal ramifications are harsh for illegally possessing pharmaceutical drugs in the state of Florida. Prosecutors and law enforcement have been focusing on taking down prescription drug offenders for years now.
Because Xanax is considered a controlled substance, you must have a valid and legal prescription to possess it or you could face harsh penalties just like with any other drug offense. Most people are shocked to learn that illegal possession of a Xanax bottle full of pills can be just as serious as being caught with cocaine or heroin. If charged with illegal possession of Xanax, you could face a third degree felony. That conviction can land you in prison for up to five years.
Along with possible prison time, a conviction could mean up to five years of probation to go along with a $5,000 fine. And if things couldn’t get any worse, you would also have to deal with this offense on your criminal record (that might mean the loss of your job or the chance at obtaining a new career) and you could encounter a multi-year suspension of your drivers license.
With proper legal advice from your defense attorney, a third degree felony charge for possession of Xanax can be dropped or reduced. If there were any irregularities in police search and seizure, your attorney could easily find a way for you to come out victorious.
