What Is Morphine?
Morphine is a prescription drug most commonly used in the treat of chronic or severe pain. It is a naturally occurring opioid, derived from the opium poppy plant. It induces a feeling of euphoria in the user and it is this euphoria that both aids the drug in reducing pain and anxiety and in facilitating addiction to the substance. Morphine is considered a narcotic as it induces sleep in addition to relieving pain. Morphine comes in a wide variety of forms, as oral tablets, syrups, injections or suppositories. Depending on which form the morphine takes, it can be swallowed, injected or even smoked. Common street names for the substance include M, Miss Emma, White Stuff, Monkey or Roxanol.
Other common names for drugs containing morphine include:
- MS Contin
- Avinza
- Kapanol
- Roxanol
- Oramorph
- Sevredol
- Duramorph
- Morphabond
- Arymo
Penalties for Morphine Possession and Distribution
In New Jersey, it is illegal to carry a prescription drug like morphine without a prescription. Pure morphine or morphine products with more than 50mg per 100g of medication are considered a Schedule II drug by the DEA under the Controlled Dangerous Substances Act. Those products with a non-narcotic medication added and under the morphine limit are usually considered Schedule III drugs. Schedule II drugs are the most powerful drugs you can be legally prescribed in the United States. Schedule II drugs are those that are considered to have:
- A high potential for abuse.
- An accepted medical use in the United States. For morphine this is mainly pain relief.
- A potential for severe physical or psychological dependence.
The penalties for illegal possession or distribution of morphine in New Jersey are based on the amount of the drug you are found possessing at the time. Obtaining morphine through prescription drug fraud or forgery may also incur additional penalties.
- Disorderly Persons Offense: Morphine Possession (4 or fewer doses without a prescription)
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Jail time of up to 6 months
- Fourth Degree Morphine Possession with Intent to Distribute (4 or fewer doses with a financial transaction taking place)
- Fines of up $10,000
- Jail time of up to 18 months
- Third Degree Morphine Possession with Intent to Distribute (5 to 99 doses)
- Fines up to $200,000
- Prison time of 3 to 5 years
- Second Degree Morphine Possession with Intent to Distribute (100 or more doses)
- Fines up to $300,000
- Prison time of 5 to 10 years
- Morphine Prescription Fraud or Forgery
- Fines up to $50,000
- Prison time of 3 to 5 years
- Licenses suspension of up to 6 months
Have You Been Charged with Morphine Possession or Distribution?
Being charged with illegal possession or distribution of narcotics like morphine is a serious matter. In order to fight drug charge like this you need a legal expert you know you can trust. At Schneider Freiberger, P.C., we have the knowledge of New Jersey drug laws and penalties necessary to put together a solid defense on your behalf. We will examine the circumstances of your arrest and search to see if the police acted in the correct manner. If they did not, the case may be thrown out altogether. Let us represent you in your morphine possession or distribution case.
