Prescription drugs may not always be illegal the way street drugs are, but they are still subject to abuse and thus, often used and obtained in an illegal manner. If you have been accused of any type of prescription drug crime, please call criminal lawyer Peter M. Liss.
What Are Prescription Drug Crimes?
Using any controlled substance without a valid prescription is against the law, but for the most part, taking your cousin’s unused antibiotic pills to avoid going to the doctor isn’t going to get you in legal trouble. Generally those charged with these drug crimes are those using controlled substances to get high and those obtaining the substances using fraud or theft. Some of the most commonly abused prescriptions include fentanyl, oxycontin, oxycodone, percocet, morphine, other opioids, Adderall, Xanax and Ritalin.
Most Common Charges
While some people are charged with using these drugs without a valid prescription, it is more common that they are arrested and charged for the means they obtained these drugs. Often this form of drug abuse is facilitated by a stolen prescription pad, pharmacy break ins, impersonating a physician, insurance fraud and by lying to a doctor about a non-existent condition, often even visiting multiple doctors in what’s known as doctor shopping.
Additionally, many people who obtain pills through these illegal means also sell these drugs to others. That means this drug crime is often charged along with fraud, theft or possession-for-sales, which makes it even more critical you work with a top San Diego prescription drug crimes lawyer if you are charged with any of these charges.
Medical Professionals Are Also Charged
In addition to the users and dealers, doctors, nurses and others involved in the medical profession can be charged with prescription drug crimes because these people occasionally directly sell these drugs or the means to obtain them (such as prescription-for-cash schemes). Medical professionals convicted for illegally providing prescription drugs to users not only face prison sentences and fines, but can also lose their ability to practice medicine.
You May be Eligible for Alternative Sentencing
The law allows for diversion from prosecution for some prescription drug offenses but not others. In other cases, those convicted for these charges may be subject to alternative sentencing such as community service or GPS monitoring, so it is important always to consult with your prescription drug crimes attorney before going to court.
Driving Under the Influence of Legal Drugs
Even people who have obtained their prescriptions through legal means and use them according to their doctor’s directions can still be convicted of drug crimes if they operate a vehicle under the influence of a prescription that impacts their driving abilities. Because it is often difficult to prove whether or not a drug was impacting a person’s ability to drive, it is critical anyone charged with this crime speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
If you have been accused of any type of prescription drug crime, please call (760) 643-4050 or (858) 486-3024 today to schedule a free initial consultation with top Peter M. Liss.
Creative Commons Image by Bradley P. Johnson
