Salt Lake Methadone Defense - Salt Lake Criminal
Lawyer
Methadone is frequently prescribed by doctors to treat heroin or other
opiate addictions. Methadone may also be prescribed to treat pain. But
while methadone may be legally used with a
prescription, possession of methadone without a prescription in Salt
Lake can result in serious
felony
criminal charges. As an
experienced
criminal defense lawyer,
Stephen Howard has extensive
experience defending drug crimes in the Salt Lake area. He
has a
record of achieving
real results for his
clients.
Contact us now to arrange for an initial confidential consultation.
Penalties for a Methadone Possession Conviction
Being caught with
methadone
in Utah can lead to criminal charges for
possession
of a controlled substance. The
penalties for
methadone
possession in Utah begin at the third degree felony level. Penalties
for a third-degree felony can include a 0-5 year prison term, and a
potential fine (including surcharge) of up to $9,500.
Possession with the
intent
to distribute,
distribution,
or simple possession in a
drug-free
zone
can be punished at the second degree felony level. Penalties for a
second degree felony can include a 1-15 year prison term, and up to
$19,000 in fines (including surcharge).
While
the potential penalties for methadone can be severe, prison time is not
mandatory. Utah's
sentencing
laws allow the court to suspend a jail or
prison sentence in a drug possession case, and instead place the
defendant on
probation.
In many drug cases, the best sentencing
outcomes can involve substance abuse treatment and probation rather
than incarceration. In some cases, a prosecutor may even agree to hold
a plea in abeyance with a dismissal following the completion of a drug
court or other appropriate treatment program.
Methadone and Addiction Recovery

The
use of methadone as part of an addiction recovery program is
somewhat controversial. So-called "methadone maintenance"
programs for long-term addicts are viewed by some as inappropriately
encouraging ongoing reliance on controlled substance use. Others
consider such programs to be an important and legitimate treatment
option that can help save lives.
In
some substance abuse treatment programs, methadone is prescribed as a
means of assisting a person who is struggling with heroin or other
opiate addiction. Opioid substitution treatment or methadone
replacement therapy, heroin or other opiate drugs are replaced with a
medication that is safer and easier to manage. For some people, this
kind of treatment can be a literal life saver.
The
controversy surrounding methadone treatment comes in part as a result
of methadone's potential for abuse. For some people, methadone simply
becomes a substitute for their prior drug of choice.
Other drugs used for
treatment of opioid dependence,
such a suboxone, have gained greater acceptance in the legal community.
But some judges and prosecutors still view such drugs with
suspicion due to the potential for abuse.
Finding a Utah Criminal Lawyer in Salt Lake City

Regardless
of their legitimate medical uses, possession of either
methadone or suboxone without a prescription is a serious crime in
Utah. If you are facing criminal prosecution for drug crimes
in Utah, it is important to have an
experienced criminal defense lawyer
on your side. With offices based in Salt Lake City, we
represent clients throughout Utah.
Contact us today to arrange
for an initial consultation with Utah
criminal defense attorney
Stephen Howard.
RELATED CRIMINAL DEFENSE TOPICS