Yes, the law is very clear that selling an imitation controlled substance is a crime!
An Imitation Controlled Substance is any substance that itself is not a controlled substance under law but based on its appearance or representation would lead a “reasonable person” to think that the imitation substance is a controlled substance.
In short, an imitation substance is one that is intended to be perceived as the real thing. It need not even have the same effect as the controlled substance it is imitating. LA criminal defense attorney William Kroger sees cases where the imitation substances themselves are filled with caffeine or are just placebos.
Generally speaking, imitation drugs refer to drugs intended to imitate controlled substances like Methamphetamine, Cocaine, or Heroin.
On the other hand, Counterfeit drugs or substances are those that are unlawfully made in the likeness of pharmaceutical drugs with regards to their imprint, labelling, packaging, or any other identifying mark. Most commonly, it is opioids that are produced as counterfeits. Since counterfeit substances have tendency to be mass produced, punishments (especially under Federal law) tend to be much harsher.
Examples of counterfeit substances include
Fake “Lean” or prescription Cough Syrup
Fake Opioid medications like “Hydrocodone” or “OxyContin”
Common imitation drugs include
Fake MDMA or Molly
Fake Ecstasy
Fake Cocaine
Fake
Under Federal Law, it is unlawful for any person to knowingly or intentionally:
Create
Distribute
Dispense
Or possess with intent to distribute
… a counterfeit substance
Fine of between $100,000 and $10,000,000; OR
Not less than one year in Federal Prison; OR
Both the fine and imprisonment.
Under California Law, any person who:
Manufactures
Distributes;
Or possesses with an intent to distribute
…a controlled substance is guilty of a misdemeanor.
The penalties for selling imitation drugs include
Up to 6 months in County Jail; OR
A fine of $1,000; OR
Both jail time and fine
Strange as it may sound, there are still criminal consequences for attempting to sell fake drugs. While the drugs may be fake, the convictions certainly aren’t.
As a known and trusted LA criminal defense attorney, William Kroger has decades of experience defending against all manner of drug related criminal charges, including charges for imitation drugs. With a long, proven track record and decades of knowledge to back him up, William Kroger and the rest of our trusted legal team here are your best shot at a successful defense.
If you are currently facing any sort of drug related criminal charge, contact us immediately at 323-655-5700 for a free consultation to discuss the details of your case. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin preparing a successful defense!
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This page was reviewed and approved by William S. Kroger, a leading criminal defense attorney in Los Angeles. Mr. Kroger has decades of experience defending clients in both state and federal courts. He is recognized for his strong trial skills and dedication to protecting the rights of the accused. Throughout his career, he has successfully represented clients facing a wide range of serious criminal charges. His personalized defense strategies are designed to achieve the best possible outcome in every case. Clients trust Mr. Kroger for his knowledge, commitment, and proven results.
He is also an active member of respected legal organizations, including the American Bar Association and the National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers. With his expertise and reputation, William S. Kroger is regarded as one of California’s top defense lawyers.
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