Protecting Your Rights With Comprehensive Representation
Last updated on April 22, 2025
Making one mistake shouldn’t affect the rest of your life. If you have been charged with an alcohol or drug offense, however, you may face challenges if they end up on your criminal record. Agricola Law, LLC, fights to minimize the long-term impact of our clients’ mistakes.
Our extensive litigation background ensures that criminal defense matters are handled efficiently. This means that you avoid prolonged legal action. Recognized by Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell* for her exemplary advocacy, Barbi Agricola customizes strategies that help clients avoid heavy fines, license suspensions and other penalties accompanying convictions. With close to four decades of legal experience behind him, Al Agricola has a tremendous understanding of criminal law practice in Alabama.
A full-service criminal defense firm, we offer expansive services for those confronting a range of alcohol and drug violations, including:
- Drunk driving charges, including repeat offenses
- Prescription DUI charges
- Minor in possession (MIP) charges
- Prescription drug offenses, including prescription fraud, illegal possession of prescription drugs or doctor shopping
- Drug possession, manufacturing or trafficking charges
At Agricola Law, we understand that a criminal conviction can destabilize your life. We are driven to prevent this outcome. Our record of success testifies to the effectiveness of our representation.
Alabama’s Controlled Substances Schedules Explained
Alabama law organizes controlled substances into five schedules based on their abuse potential, medical use and likelihood of dependency.
● Schedule I: These substances have a high abuse potential and no recognized medical use. Examples include heroin, LSD, marijuana and ecstasy. Charges involving Schedule I drugs often lead to harsh penalties due to their classification.
● Schedule II: Drugs with high abuse potential but limited medical applications, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone and methadone, fall here. Convictions can result in significant prison time and fines.
● Schedule III: These substances have moderate abuse potential and accepted medical uses, like anabolic steroids, ketamine and certain barbiturates. Penalties, while less severe, can still disrupt your life.
● Schedule IV: Drugs with low abuse potential, such as Xanax, Valium and Ambien, are included here. Unauthorized possession or distribution can lead to felony charges and jail time.
● Schedule V: These substances, like cough syrups with codeine, have the lowest abuse potential. Though penalties are lighter, a conviction can still harm your record.
Knowing which schedule applies to your charge is critical, as it influences penalties and defense strategies. Our attorneys possess the experience to thoroughly analyze these classifications to build tailored defenses for our clients.
Types And Penalties Of Drug Charges In Alabama
Drug charges in Alabama vary based on substance, quantity and intent. Each charge carries specific penalties, and only experienced attorneys can effectively minimize their impact.
● Possession: Possessing any controlled substance (except marijuana, which has separate rules) is a Class D felony, with up to five years in prison and fines up to $7,500. Even possessing drug paraphernalia, like pipes or syringes, is a Class A misdemeanor, carrying up to one year in jail.
● Distribution: Selling or delivering controlled substances, including marijuana, is a Class B felony, punishable by two to 20 years in prison and fines up to $30,000. Sales to minors or near schools increase penalties significantly.
● Trafficking: Large-scale possession, sale or delivery of controlled substances, such as 28 grams or more of cocaine, is a Class A felony with mandatory minimum sentences of three to seven years and fines up to $50,000.
● Manufacturing: Producing drugs, like methamphetamine or cultivated marijuana, is a Class A or B felony, with penalties ranging from one to 20 years based on circumstances, such as proximity to schools or the presence of minors.
● Prescription Fraud: Illegally obtaining prescription drugs through forgery or doctor shopping is a felony, with up to seven years in prison and substantial fines.
The consequences of drug convictions extend far beyond incarceration and fines. A drug offense on your record can permanently affect employment opportunities, housing options, educational prospects, professional licensing and family relationships.
Most importantly, given the complexity of Alabama’s drug laws and the serious consequences of convictions, securing experienced legal representation like ours becomes a must-have factor in your checklist.
Speak To A Qualified Legal Professional Today. Agricola Law Is On Your Side.
We are respected members of the legal communities of Opelika, Auburn, Phenix City, Valley, Lanett, Beulah, Salem, Smith Station and Montgomery, Alabama, as well as Columbus, Georgia. Our attorneys regularly represent clients in courts in Russell County, Lee County, Chambers County, Macon County, Randolph County, Montgomery County, Tallapoosa County, Elmore County and Autauga County, Alabama, and Muscogee County, Harris County and Troup County, Georgia.
Easily schedule a consultation by calling our office in Montgomery at 334-610-1064 today. You can also fill out our contact form online. We offer free, no-obligation consultations.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.