ARRESTED FOR CODEINE IN NC (ONLY AVAILABLE IN GENERIC FORM)

Codeine is an opioid pain medication. It can be used to treat mild to moderate types of pain, and is useful when painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are not effective.

In North Carolina, Codeine is a Schedule II controlled substance. This means it is legal to sell it with license from DEA, but it is illegal to do so without license of prescription. However, some products with Codeine have different schedules.

Tylenol II-IV (Schedule III) has less than 90 mg codeine per dosage unit. There are also products with codeine that are considered Schedule V substances if they have less than 200 milligrams per 100 grams of dosage unit.

Regardless, drug manufacturers that are producing newer, commercially-available compounded products with other substances such as codeine have to follow extremely rigorous rules in order to be approved.

In the case of North Carolina, the state has legal over the counter sales of codeine, such as the brand Cheratussin which has 10 mg codeine and 100 mg guaifenesin per 5 milliliter. Meanwhile, Schedule V substances may be sold without prescription only by registered pharmacists.

POSSIBLE SENTENCE

Given that there are various codeine derivatives, it is important to know just which kind of codeine-based product one possesses. It is also important, if one is facing potential charges, that one must consult with legal experts or lawyers in order to identify a good potential defense from these allegations.

Schedule II drugs include methamphetamines, cocaine, methadone and opium. They are slightly less dangerous than their previous counterpart, but they have high risk of addiction. It can carry a potential of six (6) to 12 months in jail as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Schedule III drugs include ketamine, anabolic steroids and some depressants. They are addictive but have an acceptable number of medical uses. If a person possesses these, he or she can face Class 1 misdemeanor charges and may stay up to six (6) to 12 months in jail.

Schedule V drugs are not that addictive, but they are still controlled by prescription. They are generally related to codeine. This is a Class 2 misdemeanor, which can carry a potential sentence of 30 days to six (6) months in jail.

Those who would like to know more about the specifics of crimes in North Carolina may contact lawyers and legal experts from nearby courts for consultations.