Being accused of drug possession is one thing. Being charged with drug delivery, distribution or manufacturing, however, is much more serious than a simple possession charge. We know what you are up against and want to help. And with a charge this serious, you need the best Oregon drug charge defense lawyer you can find. Contact us for a free consultation to evaluate our services and experience.
Serious drug crimes like these carry serious penalties. When you are at significant risk of a prison sentence and hefty fines, you are no doubt frightened and possibly confused about what is happening. You need an aggressive and experienced attorney going to bat for you.
Oregon criminal courts can be very intimidating for an accused person. You might not feel like anyone is looking out for your best interests, especially as an accused felon.
But as Oregon defense lawyers, our only job is to fight for you, the accused, our client. The job of a good defense lawyer is not fairness, but an aggressive and adversarial defense on your behalf, and to fight for you and your interests only. The prosecutors only want to prosecute, and we only want to get your case dismissed, or you to be found not guilty.
And there are always opportunities in drug cases for a good defense lawyer to make objections, challenge the facts and evidence, and give you the best chance to win in court.
Please contact us to get some free advice on your Oregon drug charge.
Drug Classifications and Laws in Oregon
Drugs are classified by “Schedule” in Oregon. Prosecutors charge you based on the danger of the drugs/controlled substance that you are accused of possessing/delivering/distributing/manufacturing.
Schedule I drugs include those that are the most dangerous and have a high risk of addiction or dependency and no legitimate medical use. Drugs included under this heading include LSD, marijuana, heroin, mescaline, and peyote.
Schedule II substances still have a high risk of abuse but may have legitimate medical uses. These include things like opium, cocaine, methadone, methamphetamines, and amphetamines.
Schedule III drugs are slightly less dangerous than Schedule II substances, but still have a moderate risk of abuse. Schedule III substances include hydrocodone, codeine, anabolic steroids, testosterone, ketamine, and some depressants.
Schedule IV drugs have a slight risk of dependency and have very acceptable medical uses. Some Schedule IV drugs are clonazepam, some tranquilizers, and sedatives.
Schedule V substances have a very low risk of dependency and include things like prescription drugs with very low potency.
Felony Drug Penalties in Oregon
The charge you face and the potential sentence depend mostly on the substance you were caught with.
Typically whether you are charged with delivery or manufacturing, you will receive the same charge. However, if you are charged with manufacturing something like methamphetamine, you can also be charged for being in possession of precursor ingredients (like ephedrine or anhydrous ammonia).
The following chart displays the charges and potential sentences you might face for delivery or manufacture of controlled substance:
| Classification of Drug | Charge | Potential Sentence |
| Schedule I (excluding marijuana) | Class A felony | Up to 20 years in prison and $100,000 in fines |
| Schedule II | Class B felony | Up to 10 years in prison and $100,000 in fines |
| Schedule III | Class C felony | Up to 5 years in jail and $100,000 in fines |
| Schedule IV | Class B misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and $1000 in fines |
| Schedule V | Class C misdemeanor | Up to 30 days in jail and $500 in fines |
In addition to any fines, you may be required to pay up to twice the amount of any financial or property gains made by the distribution of the controlled substances.
Ref: Or. Rev. Stat. ยง475
If you are charged with distribution or manufacturing, you need a skilled and aggressive defense attorney on your side. Call us today to see how we can help. Free consultation for anyone accused of a drug offense in Oregon.