Steroids can be separated into two classes: anabolic and androgenic. Anabolic steroids are the steroids most commonly sold illegally, mainly affecting metabolism, immunity, and muscle. In contrast, androgenic steroids have powerful masculinization impacts on females, and sometimes, feminization impacts on men.
Most steroids are permitted with a prescription, as there are many medicinal uses for steroids. Nevertheless, there is a big black market for steroids as performance-enhancing drugs, with athletes and bodybuilders making up a considerable number of users. There are both federal and state criminal penalties for the illicit use or sale of steroids.
If I Use or Sell Steroids, What Federal Penalties Will I Face?
The Anabolic Steroids Control Act of 1990 defines steroids as a Schedule III drug. It assesses federal penalties for both the illegal possession and sale of steroids. The following are the federal punishments for both possession and sale of steroids:
- Simple possession of steroids with no prior offenses:
- Up to a year in federal prison; or
- Minimum fine of $1,000.
- Simple possession of steroids with certain prior convictions:
- Minimum 15 days in prison, and up to two years in prison; or
- Minimum fine of $2,000.
- Possession with intent to sell
- Up to five years in prison; or
- Minimum fine of $5,000.
If I Use or Sell Steroids, What State Penalties Will I Face?
Each state has the right to legislate laws that regulate drugs they view as harmful. Most states echo the Federal scheduling of steroids as a Schedule III drug. Therefore, state punishments usually mirror the punishments for drugs of this category:
- Simple possession can be characterized as either a misdemeanor or felony. One may face jail time of up to 2 years if in a state where steroid possession is considered a felony. A fine will usually be levied in states that list steroids as a misdemeanor.
- The sale of steroids is a felony in every state. In some states, the punishment for selling steroids can be up to 7 years in prison.
What Are the Other Possible Charges?
Possession, sale, and distribution aren’t the only potential drug charges you could encounter. Some of the potential charges include:
- Possession or sale of multiple substances (aside from steroids)
- Using drug paraphernalia
- Using a child to commit a controlled substance offense, such as selling steroids
- Manufacturing steroids
- Criminal injection of steroids
- Possessing instruments to administer steroids
Suppose you’re encountering any of these additional charges. In that case, it’s crucial that you contact a criminal defense attorney because your sentencing can increase with these additional charges. Use LegalMatch if you’re facing criminal steroids possession charges.
What Are the Different Types of Illegal Anabolic Steroids?
Many types of anabolic steroids are illegal for consumption without a prescription. These include:
- Nandrolone
- Testosterone
- Stanozolol
- Boldenone
- Androstenedione
Anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule III Controlled Substances.
What to Do If You Think You’re Under Investigation
Before an arrest can be made, you’ll be under investigation for possession, selling, and distributing steroids.
There are a few actions you should take during this procedure:
- Immediately find a lawyer
- Never talk to the police without your lawyer present
- Talk to your attorney about a possible legal strategy
All of these actions will bring you nearer to reaching the best result for your case, no matter the rigor of your charges.
What Are the Penalties for Steroids Possession and Distribution?
The punishments you may face for steroid distribution are very similar to those of other narcotics sales. That’s because steroids also fall under the controlled substance sale category.
Steroid possession with the intent to distribute is a felony. It can result in a fine of $500,000 and around ten years in prison. In some states, jail time for selling controlled substances can range from six months to 20 years.
Your distinct circumstances depend on your sentencing. For instance, if you’re carrying a small amount of steroids, you likely won’t have severe punishments. The more you’re carrying, the harsher the punishments become. These penalties may increase even more if you sell to underage consumers or sell the steroids at a school or college.
What Happens if You’re Caught Selling Steroids Online?
Similar charges may apply if you’re caught selling steroids online, and the penalties you face may be harsher depending on your circumstance. Nevertheless, a skilled attorney can still assemble a plan to lessen your sentence.
Keep in mind that if you spread your products via the U.S. Postal Service, you could encounter additional charges since the federal government runs USPS.
You must know how to pick a criminal defense attorney for all of these reasons.
What to Look for in a Criminal Attorney?
The best criminal lawyers have the knowledge and ability to help you choose your legal strategy. They will investigate every potential route to stop criminal punishment or lessen the harshness of your sentence. These plans may include dropped charges, case dismissal, different sentencing options, and decreased charges.
When looking for a lawyer, the best place to start is to find a local lawyer. These attorneys understand your region’s drug laws better than anyone else. Use LegalMatch to find local lawyers in your proximity.
Encountering these charges is difficult and confusing. The best attorneys will also help you personally. They can answer any questions you have and clarify any aspects of the law that may confuse you.
About the Steroids Possession and Distribution Crime
The possession and sale of anabolic steroids without a prescription is illegal. Steroids have side effects on heart health, blood pressure, liver disease, and more.
If you’re convicted of selling anabolic steroids, you face severe penalties. These penalties can include fines, jail time, and even driver’s license suspension.
Despite the seriousness of the penalties, a lawyer can help. The right lawyer can stop invasive investigative tactics even before you’re convicted. They will also direct you through the entire legal process to know your rights.
Let’s examine more into the possession versus sale of anabolic steroids and how the courts approach both charges differently.
Possession
Possession concerns unlawfully yet knowingly possessing a controlled substance. Suppose you’re not suspected of distributing or selling steroids. In that case, you can rest assured that you’ll receive a lesser charge. You may face jail time between one and five years plus a fine of $5,000 for mere possession.
However, the charges may rise to a felony if you carry a large amount. At that point, you may be suspected of distributing and selling the steroids.
Sale and Distribution
Steroid selling and distribution come with more drastic charges. The intent to distribute steroids has an average prison sentence of one to 10 years plus a $15,000 fine. These punishments can increase, depending on the stringency of your case.
Should I Consult an Attorney if I Have Been Accused or Arrested for the Sale or Possession of Steroids?
If you have been accused or arrested for the sale or possession of steroids, it may be helpful to consult the advice of a drug lawyer. As penalties and fines may vary between jurisdictions, an attorney’s expertise may be necessary to understand the complex nature of this area of law. Use LegalMatch to find a lawyer near you today.
