Fentanyl Criminality in the Media

By San Diego Attorney on December 30, 2022

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid analgesic, like morphine, but is 50 to 100 times more powerful. It is a schedule II prescription drug and is typically used to treat patients with severe chronic pain or to help manage pain after an accident or surgery. Fentanyl can be administered via injection, patch, or tablet. It is also sometimes used illicitly as a recreational drug. Fentanyl can be extremely dangerous; even a small dose can cause respiratory depression and death.

Another reason fentanyl is dangerous is that it is often mixed with other drugs without the user knowing. This can be very dangerous as it can increase the potency of the fentanyl and cause more extreme reactions to the body. It can also make it difficult to know how much fentanyl is in a particular batch of drugs, which makes it difficult to know how much it is safe to take.

Fentanyl possession charges in California typically hold a misdemeanor charge, and offenders can be eligible for drug diversion programs which may help the accused avoid jail time and keep the conviction off their record. Though there are a few exceptions to this rule, they generally only involve individuals who are sex offenders or are convicted of violent crimes such as murder.

However, if you have been charged with possession for sale, your charges will be much more severe. You could be facing up to four years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines. In addition, individuals arrested for selling drugs can face up to nine years in jail if they’ve crossed two or more county lines.

The Fentanyl Epidemic

Fentanyl is typically prescribed to cancer patients and those with chronic pain that is not responsive to other forms of treatment. However, due to its “pleasant” effects and high addictiveness, fentanyl is also being used recreationally.

Fentanyl is being sold illegally on the streets, often mixed with heroin or cocaine. This is extremely dangerous, as users often don’t know they are taking fentanyl and can easily overdose. In fact, fentanyl was responsible for over 53,000 preventable deaths in America in 2020. The fentanyl epidemic is a significant problem, and it is only getting worse. The drug is cheap, easy to obtain, and extremely powerful. This makes it very attractive to recreational drug users and those looking to get a quick high.

What is Rainbow Fentanyl?

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), rainbow fentanyl pills are brightly colored versions of the drug that some warn could be designed to look like candy. Dealers often use these pills to lure in young children or unsuspecting adults. However, the DEA warns that these pills are hazardous and can lead to overdose and death. Rainbow fentanyl pills have been linked to several overdoses in the United States, and the DEA is urging people to be aware of the dangers of these pills.

The DEA has issued several alerts about rainbow fentanyl that has been smuggled in boxes of LEGO toys, sidewalk chalk, and other children’s toys. Though generally speaking, children are not the target fentanyl customers as they do not have access to renewable funds, the often deadly chemicals found in fentanyl pose a danger to anyone who comes in contact with it.

What are the Charges Associated with Fentanyl?

There are several charges associated with fentanyl, depending on the quantity of the drug and the circumstances surrounding its possession. For example, possession of a small amount of fentanyl may be charged as a misdemeanor, while possession of a large amount may be a felony. If fentanyl is used to manufacture other drugs, such as heroin or methamphetamine, additional charges may apply. If fentanyl is sold or possessed with the intent to sell, charges of drug trafficking may be filed. The penalties for fentanyl-related charges can be severe and may include prison time, fines, and a criminal record.

The charges associated with fentanyl vary depending on the specific offense, but they can range from a simple possession charge to more serious offenses such as trafficking or manufacturing. Possession of even a small amount of fentanyl can result in a felony charge and a prison sentence of up to 5 years. The penalties for trafficking or manufacturing fentanyl are even more severe and can include a prison sentence of up to 20 years or more.

If you are convicted of a fentanyl charge, you may face penalties in addition to jail time, such as fines, losing your job, or being barred from specific professional licenses. The social media stories that portray fentanyl as a “killer drug” add to this difficulty. The negative stigma attached to fentanyl charges makes it difficult for those affected to find employment. This makes it hard for those with fentanyl charges to make a living and rebuild their lives after being charged.

You may also need help renting an apartment or qualifying for a mortgage. Guilty individuals may also be required to complete a drug treatment program, including inpatient and outpatient treatment. You may sometimes be placed on probation instead of serving jail time. However, if you violate the terms of your probation, you may be required to serve the original sentence.

How Can a San Diego Drug Crime Defense Lawyer Help You Get a Fair Deal?

If you’ve been charged with possessing or distributing fentanyl, it’s essential to contact a San Diego drug crime defense lawyer as soon as possible. Fentanyl is a powerful and dangerous drug, and the penalties for possession or distribution can be very severe. jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys can help you understand the charges against you and the possible defenses you may have. Schedule an appointment with our qualified lawyers today. Call (760) 630-2000 to discuss your case!