Penalties For Prescription Drug Offenses

Prescription drugs are used widely and regulated across the U.S. This is because many prescription drugs used for pain and mental illness are as potent and dangerous as drugs like heroin or methamphetamine when used improperly. If you were arrested for a prescription drug crime, it’s important that you learn what penalties you may have to face and what your best options are for defending yourself against this type of crime.

Prescription Drug Crimes Defined

Not all prescription drugs are regulated in the same way. It is generally only considered a criminal offense when the medications are of a controlled nature. Controlled medications include drugs used for ADHD, pain, and anxiety. Here are some of the most common forms of prescription drug crimes:

• Selling prescription drugs to someone else for a profit (either acquiring to sell them or selling your “extra” pills)
• Giving prescription drugs to a friend
• Attempting to or successfully robbing a pharmacy in order to obtain controlled substances
• Possessing prescription drugs that do not belong to you and were not prescribed to you by a licensed physician

What Penalties You May Face If Convicted of a Prescription Drug Crime

If you are charged with and found guilty of this type of crime, you may face severe penalties. A Criminal Defense Attorney will advise that penalties include but are not limited to fines and incarceration. How serious the penalties depends greatly on how serious the crime was that you were found guilty of. For example, if you purchased a few pain pills from an acquaintance, you may not incur as much jail time as if you sold or trafficked a large number of controlled drugs.

Regardless of the severity of the crime, any criminal penalties stand to change your life in a negative way. Jail time, fines, community service, probation, and mandatory drug counseling impact your career and relationships.

Contact a Prescription Drug Crimes Attorney Today

When you face any criminal charges — especially those related to prescription drugs — it’s important to have someone in your corner dedicated to fighting for your rights. At Fort Lauderdale Criminal Defense, we will go to bat for you against prosecutors and will petition the court for the charges against you to be reduced or dismissed entirely.

Reach out to us today for a consultation to learn more about your legal options after being charged with a prescription drug crime. Call now at 954-400-5000.