PCP Lawyer

The U.S. federal government considers PCP to be a Schedule II drug as defined by the Controlled Substances Act. Schedule II drugs are believed to have a high potential for abuse. They can be used legally only in strictly controlled medical settings.

Penalties for someone who is found with PCP are harsh. This person may be charged with from five to 40 years in prison and fines of up to $4 million for a first PCP offense. Repeat offenders may be sentenced to prison for 20 years to life and fined up to eight million dollars.

If you have been charged with using, making or selling PCP, you need an experienced attorney who has had many years defending clients against drug offenses. David M. Dudley, a state and federal defense lawyer, has decades of experience defending against a number of federal drug charges. He has a proven record of success defending against major drug prosecutions involving excessive amounts of PCP, LSD, heroin, ecstasy, marijuana and methamphetamine.

What is PCP (phencyclidine)?

PCP (phencyclidine) is a manufactured drug that was developed in the 1950s as an intravenous anesthetic. However, it was never approved for use because it failed in patient trials. One of its problems was found to be intensely negative psychological side effects during clinical studies. Today the drug is no longer used or made for legitimate purposes (except in strictly controlled medical settings).

Street names for the drug are angel dust, ozone, wack, rocket fuel, supergrass, killer weed, embalming fluid, boat, hog, love boat, peace pill and sherms.

In its pure form, PCP looks like a white crystalline powder. It has a bitter taste and dissolves easily in water. Most of the time, the drug is contaminated and looks tan or brown. In consistency, it can vary from a powder to a gummy mass.

PCP is classified by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) as an hallucinogen and by researchers as a dissociative drug. Reactions to PCP include:

• Slurred speech
• Loss of coordination
• Rapid, involuntary eye movements
• Hearing hallucinations, image distortion, severe mood disorders, amnesia
• Altered perceptions of time and distance
• Acute anxiety
• Feelings of impending doom
• Paranoia
• Violent hostility
• Schizophrenia-like behavior and feelings

“PCP use is associated with a number of risks and many believe it to be one of the most dangerous drugs of abuse,” according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

PCP Defense Lawyer in California

The penalties for federal drug charges involving PCP are severe. For the best chances of getting your charges reduced or dismissed, contact Mr. Dudley today. Mr. Dudley’s law practice has taken him across the country, representing individuals facing major criminal allegations in 36 different states. He’s handled matters in both the trial and appellate courts, state and federal, and is admitted to the United States Supreme Court and seven federal circuit courts of appeal. A criminal defense lawyer with a strong experience in defending individuals against drug charges is vital to securing your future.

PCP Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Legal Penalties for PCP Possession?

Federal law imposes extremely harsh penalties for PCP-related offenses. First-time offenders can face up to 40 years in prison and fines of $4 million, while repeat offenders may receive sentences of 20 years to life with potential fines of $8 million. Classified as a Schedule II drug, PCP is considered to have a high potential for abuse and is strictly controlled by the federal government.

What Exactly is PCP?

PCP is a manufactured drug developed in the 1950s as an anesthetic but never approved for medical use due to severe psychological side effects. Typically appearing as a white crystalline powder or contaminated tan substance, the drug is known by street names like angel dust and rocket fuel. Classified as a hallucinogen, PCP causes dangerous psychological effects including altered perceptions, violent behavior, and schizophrenia-like symptoms.

What Should I Do If Charged with a PCP-Related Offense?

If facing PCP-related charges, immediate action is crucial. Seek an experienced criminal defense attorney specializing in drug offenses who can help navigate the complex legal system. An experienced lawyer can potentially reduce charges, negotiate plea bargains, or develop a strategic defense. Preserve all legal documentation, avoid discussing case details with anyone except your legal counsel, and understand the serious potential consequences of the charges.