Mississippi Criminal and Family Law BlogWhile robbing a bank is obviously illegal, the items stolen are legal. In other words, there is nothing wrong with owning paper money. But what happens if you steal something that is illegal, such as a controlled substance? In the case of one drug dealer stealing another dealer’s stash at gunpoint, the police rarely get involved. Why? Because it is not like the drug dealer is going to call the police. But what happens when controlled substances are stolen from a location that is actually allowed to store them – such as a pharmacy? As it turns out, there is a law specifically put in place for these situations.
If you have been charged with a robbery involving a controlled substance, it is imperative that you get in touch with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Our legal professionals can help you strive for the best possible outcomes, and there is no sense in accepting a needlessly harsh penalty. Book your consultation with a private defense attorney right away, and you can begin fighting for your rights and developing an effective defense strategy.
Robberies and Burglaries Involving Controlled Substances
According to 18 U.S. Code § 2118, robberies and burglaries involving controlled substances can be prosecuted as a separate, federal crime. To be found guilty of this crime, you must:
“Take or attempt to take from the person or presence of another by force or violence or by intimidation any material or compound containing any quantity of a controlled substance belonging to or in the care, custody, control, or possession of a person registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration under section 302 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 822).”
In other words, this law was put in place specifically to protect pharmacies and any other agency that can legally store, transfer, or distribute controlled substances like opioids and other pharmaceuticals that may attract criminals.
If you are found guilty, you may face imprisonment of up to 20 years and a substantial fine. If the amount of material stolen was less than $500, you will face a less severe sentence. You may also escape this penalty if you stayed within your own state lines and did not attempt to transport the stolen goods into another state or country. Finally, you will be charged with this crime if another person was killed or seriously injured as a result of the robbery – regardless of the value of the stolen pills.
You will also face similar penalties if you simply attempted to sneak into the premises and steal the medication without actually “taking” it from anyone. Most of these situations involve burglaries outside of working hours. Again, the penalty is up to 20 years in prison and a substantial fine.
It is also worth noting that as soon as you use or brandish a deadly weapon in the course of this crime, you face up to 25 years in prison. If someone is killed, you face life in prison.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney in Mississippi, look no further than Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. Over the years, we have assisted numerous defendants with various crimes – including robberies and burglaries. We know that things can become especially problematic when controlled substances are involved, and we are ready to give you a fighting chance of a positive outcome. Book your consultation today to get started.