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Question: What are the legal consequence for using steroids?

Answer: You are most likely talking about anabolic steroids -the kind that athletes and others use to build muscle and size and be better in their sport. In Arizona it is illegal to possess and use certain drugs, and anabolic steroids are classified as 'dangerous drugs' (ARS 13-3401(6)(d)). Possession or use of a dangerous drug is a class 4 felony (ARS 13-3407). Other kinds of steroids, like cortisone and prendisone - known as corticosteroids, are prescription only drugs. Possession or use of a prescription only drug without a valid prescription is a class 1 misdemeanor.

In Arizona conviction of a class 4 felony can result in prison time of up to 3.75 years for a first offense, probation, and a dangerous drug conviction has a mandatory fine of $1000, plus mandatory surcharges of 80%. A class 1 misdemeanor can result in up to 6 months in jail and up to a $2500 fine (plus the 80% surcharge). However, for first and second drug convictions, if you do not have any other violent crime convictions, you cannot be sent to prison, but probation and treatment is mandatory, along with the fine.

If you get charged with possession or use of dangerous drugs as a juvenile, and are convicted, then the adult sanctions above don't apply, but the juvenile court can send you to juvenile prison, place you on probation, make you pay a fine, do community service work and attend treatment. Also, the law requires that your driver's license be suspended until you are 18, for ANY drug conviction. This even applies if you don't have a license yet - the suspension is of your privilege to drive.

In addition to the criminal sanctions, many sports associations and schools have rules about drug use, including steroid use, and they can and do test for drug use. If you are found to have the drugs in your system, your prizes can be taken away (if you won), you can be suspended from the sport and/or school, and you can be banned from competing in your sport for a time or for life, depending on the situation.

Also, drug convictions can keep you out of the military, and out of some professions or jobs - even juvenile 'convictions'.

So steroid use has some drastic legal consequences, which could effect the rest of your life.


Comments
21 thru 25 of 44 comments
On 03/09/06
sheepboy from MN said:
Steroids are for crackheads. Only stoners take steroids
On 01/25/06
Hilary from TX said:
i use steroids all the time and they make me feel good, and really strong
On 01/03/06
tyler from OH said:

I am a freshman and my team won our leagues title and not one used any drugs, all we did was keep working got stronger in the weight room and faster on the field, and we were successful. Don’t think using steroids will just make all your athletic problems go away, it will make you have more problems. Just work hard and you’ll get it.

On 01/03/06
Tyl B. from OH said:

If you need to go through with using steroids you are cheating yourself and others. It just isn’t right. Think of all the long term effects and the penalties you face if caught while playing. It will ruin your chances of going any where. If you need to enhance your performance, get help from a trainer and work for it don’t cheat.

On 12/13/05
Shooter from MT said:
I think a true athlete shouldn't use steroids but I agree with the fact that if everybody is using them then it's not cheating. Also the side effects are over exaggerated. They make it seem like if you use them then you'll die right then.
21 thru 25 of 44 comments



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