Is Fentanyl Illegal in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts takes the opioid crisis seriously, and those who are caught with fentanyl could face severe legal consequences. In 2020 alone, more than 2,000 people died from opioid overdose. This is the highest number the state has ever seen. Many of these deaths have been caused by fentanyl, an extremely dangerous substance that can easily cause overdoses with just a slight miscalculation of the dosage.

So, what happens if you are caught with fentanyl? What happens if you are caught distributing fentanyl?

If you are facing charges related to fentanyl possession or distribution, you should get in touch with a qualified criminal defense attorney in Massachusetts as soon as possible. Our legal professionals can help you fight for your rights and avoid unnecessary penalties. The state may take the opioid crisis seriously, but you still have the right to defend yourself against criminal charges with our experienced attorneys by your side.

An Example of a Fentanyl Conviction in Massachusetts
On September 28th of 2021, it was reported that a man in Lawrence had been sentenced to over 13 years in prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl. He was also given five years of supervised release and a $2,000 fine. The reason this sentence was so high was that he intended to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl. He distributed high quantities of the drug to various distributors throughout New England, who in turn sold it to various individuals.

Massachusetts’ Fentanyl Laws
According to Massachusetts law, you face severe penalties as soon as you “manufacture, distribute, dispense, or possess” more than 10 grams of fentanyl. If you are caught with this amount, you face a prison sentence of between three and half and 20 years. You also face exactly the same consequences for any fentanyl derivative. Obviously, this is a wide range when it comes to the amount of time you might spend behind bars. Aggravating circumstances may make the sentence longer. For example, you will obviously spend a longer period behind bars if you were caught with a particularly large amount of fentanyl. If you were caught with just over 10 grams, you can probably expect a lower sentence. Fentanyl is a Schedule II drug, which means that you face felony charges whenever you are caught.

If you merely possessed fentanyl for personal use, you face a much less severe sentence. However, it is still a significant penalty. For your first offense, you face a maximum sentence of about two years. For any subsequent offenses, you could face up to five years in prison.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you have been searching the Massachusetts area for a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney, look no further than the Law Offices of Johnson, Sclafani & Moriarty. We have dealt with a vast number of criminal cases over the years, including those that involve drug charges.
While fentanyl is a relatively new drug, we have a strong understanding of the various laws that pertain to this situation. With our help, you can fight for your rights and pursue a positive legal outcome. Book your consultation today. 413-732-8356