Some of the most serious crimes you can be accused of committing are those involving controlled substances. Drug crimes can include distribution, possession, manufacturing, cultivation, and other related offenses. These types of crimes carry severe criminal penalties that vary widely depending on how the controlled substance in the case is classified. Indiana’s drug schedules describe how controlled substances should be classified and which drugs fall into each category.
Schedules of Controlled Substances in Indiana
There are five different Schedules of Controlled Substances under Indiana Code § 35-48-4-7. Generally, drug crimes and drugs classified as Schedule I controlled substances carry harsher criminal penalties, whereas drugs classified as Schedule V controlled substances may carry less severe consequences, even with drug possession charges.
Schedule I
Schedule I controlled substances are considered the most serious. They do not have any accepted medical abuse and are at an extremely high risk of causing addiction or abuse. According to Indiana Code 35-48-2-4, some of the most common types of controlled substances classified as Schedule I drugs include:
- Marijuana
- Heroin
- Ecstasy
- LSD
- Psilocybin
- Peyote
- Mescaline
- Benzylpiperazine
- Methaqualone
Schedule II
Schedule II controlled substances are not taken as seriously as Schedule I drugs but have a high potential for addiction or abuse and minimal accepted medical use. According to Indiana Code 35-48-2-6, some of the most common types of controlled substances classified as Schedule II drugs include:
- Morphine
- Oxycodone or OxyContin
- Methylphenidate
- Amphetamines
- Methadone
- Phenmetrazine
- Raw opium
- Dexedrine
- Fentanyl
- Cocaine
- Phencyclidine PCP
- Crack
- Hydrocodone or Vicodin
- pethidine
- Hydromorphone or Dilaudid
- Amobarbital
- Opium
- Opium extracts
- Adderall
- Pentobarbital
- Glutethimide
- Oxymorphone
- Meperidine or Demerol
- Ritalin
Schedule III
Schedule III controlled substances are dangerous but have some accepted medical uses. They still have a potential for abuse, but it is lower than drugs classified at the Schedule I or I level. Examples of Schedule III controlled substances according to Indiana Code 35-48-2-8 include:
- Xanax
- Ketamine
- Valium
- Phendimetrazine
- Anabolic steroids
- Testosterone
- Chlorphentermine
- Codeine
- Buprenorphine or Suboxone
- Nalorphine
- Benzphetamine
Schedule IV
Schedule IV controlled substances are used regularly within the medical community but do have some potential for addiction or abuse. You may be at risk of criminal charges if you are found in possession of large quantities of these drugs without a valid prescription. Under Indiana Code 35-48-2-10 some of the most common Schedule IV controlled substances include:
- Tranquilizers
- Clonazepam
- Lorcaserin
- Ambien
- Diazepam
- Loprazolam
- Alprazolam
- Fenfluramine
- Midazolam
- Ativan
- Carisoprodol
- Darvon
- Methohexital
- Modafinil
- Xanax
- Clorazepate
- Triazolam
- Temazepam
- Benzodiazepines
- Soma
- Darvocet
- Talwin
- Tramadol
Schedule V
Schedule V controlled substances are considered to be the least dangerous category of drugs. These are widely used within the medical community and have little potential for abuse or addiction. According to Indiana Code 35-48-2-12, some of the most common types of Schedule V controlled substances include:
- Lyrica
- Cough medications that contain codeine
- Imodium
- Tylenol
- Parepectolin
- Lomotil
- Motofen
Indiana Pharmacy Laws and Regulations gives the Indiana State Board of Pharmacy the authority to suggest controlled substances be modified or deleted from the Schedule of Controlled Substances to the state legislator at any time. This means while marijuana may be considered a Schedule I drug now, this could change at a later date.
Indiana’s Schedule of Controlled Substances Do Not Decide Your Fate Alone
While the state’s Schedule of Controlled Substances can dramatically affect the severity of the charges you are facing, it does not determine the outcome of your case alone. Taking advantage of your 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination and your 6th Amendment right to defend yourself will be a top priority if you hope to get the drug crime charges against you reduced to a less serious offense or dismissed altogether.