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

• Can I be charged with drug possession for drugs found in a passenger's possession?
• Can I say no if police ask for permission to search my car?
• How do I choose the best lawyer attorney for my Utah criminal case?
• Do I need an attorney for my first court appearance on Utah criminal charges?