Prescription drugs are practically everywhere nowadays. You only have to skim through a newspaper or turn on the news reports to see that the abuse of prescription drugs has come to great levels in the U.S. To deal with this problem, Federal prosecutors and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have directed their energy on the sale and distribution of prescription medication in an effort to close out the so-called “pill mills” and stop the illegal distribution. Oxycontin, Xanax, Methadone, Morphine, Valium, and Diazepam are just some of the various prescription drugs that are illegally abused.
Nearly all drug criminal offenses are regarded to be connected to illegal narcotics; prescription drugs, however, are regulated by the government, which implies that a person may deal with a host of other criminal charges. Some other charges that might arise consist of possession of prescription drugs with no lawful prescription, or for the distribution, manufacturing, sale or trafficking of the substance without the valid authority to do so. Prescription fraud is also one more very serious matter related to prescription drug offenses, involving the multiple crimes of deception, forgery, and misrepresentation.
Prescription Drugs Criminal Penalties
The penalties that might be imposed for a prescription drugs offense will definitely differ from state to state. Despite whether the crime is charged as a state or federal offense will affect the sentencing. The distinct type of substance involved and the quantity is also hugely relevant to establishing the result of the case. Some prescription drugs, for example, are classified as Schedule I or Schedule II drugs, which generally subject the offending person to much more tough punishment. Also those regarded less addictive and dangerous by the government may bring substantial fines and perhaps even jail time, in addition to a criminal record which could negatively impact your career and job opportunities.
Possession of any controlled or prescription drugs aside from marijuana is a felony offense. Drugs like hydrocodone, codeine, and other prescriptions carries penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment and $5,000 in fines as it is a 3rd degree felony. If you have similar prior convictions, this charge can be considered a 2nd degree felony with a potential sentence of up to 15 years and fines of up to $10,000.
Prescription Drugs Lawyer in Utah
In defense of a prescription drugs criminal case, it is ideal to find a lawyer that looks for any weak points in the evidence and any constitutional defenses based on the illegal searches and seizures, in addition to improperly-obtained confessions. A lawyer that can also maximize the window of time between the arrest and the filing of formal charges to impact the prosecutor’s charging decision will also be advantageous to your case.
