Congress Expands Legal Definition of Fentanyl
Congress recently passed bipartisan legislation expanding the definition of fentanyl to include synthetic versions of the drug that had previously not been specifically included as so-called “Schedule 1” drugs. The new law makes it more difficult for illegal drug manufacturers to avoid criminal liability for producing versions of fentanyl that did not meet the former legal definition of the drug.
By increasing the scope of drugs that federal law considers to be illegal versions of fentanyl, it is likely that, in addition to drug traffickers, individual users of these versions could find themselves facing very serious federal charges if they are arrested while in possession of a type of fentanyl that is now considered to be a Schedule 1 banned drug. The LLF Law Firm’s Criminal Defense Team has defended clients all across Pennsylvania facing drug charges, including federal drug charges. Call us at 888.535.3686 or fill out our online contact form to learn more about how we can protect your rights and defend you against the charges you face.
Fentanyl’s Definition Has Broadened
Laws that forbid the sale or use of certain types of drugs typically include a specific legal definition of what the chemical makeup of the prohibited drug is. This is done so that when a suspected illegal drug is found, testing can determine with some certainty whether it is a prohibited drug.
Fentanyl is one of these prohibited drugs. Because of its specific definition, drug makers would attempt to create a version of the illegal drug that had the same or similar effects as the prohibited version, but with a different chemical makeup. This made it more difficult for law enforcement to bring charges for the distribution, sale, or possession of the altered version.
The new law attempts to address those modifications. It broadens the scope of the types of drugs that are categorized as fentanyl to include a number of modified versions that have a slightly different chemical makeup than the original. The new law prohibits “fentanyl-related substances” that have been modified in certain specific ways. These fentanyl-related substances are, like fentanyl, now categorized as Schedule 1 controlled substances, meaning that anyone caught distributing, selling, or possessing them can now be prosecuted in the same way as if they were caught with the original version of the drug.
The LLF Law Firm is Ready to Defend You Against Drug Charges
If you have been charged with distribution, sale, or possession of fentanyl or a fentanyl-related substance, the LLF Law Firm’s Criminal Defense Team is ready to help. Our experienced attorneys understand the federal and Pennsylvania laws, rules, and regulations that apply to drug distribution and possession. We know the court procedures at both the federal and state levels, and regularly defend clients accused of drug-related crimes in federal and state courts across the state.
Call us today at 888.535.3686 or fill out our contact form, and we will schedule a confidential consultation to discuss the charges you are facing and to explain how we can help. When you are facing serious criminal charges, you need an experienced attorney from the LLF Law Firm’s Criminal Defense Team by your side.