Prescription drugs are almost everywhere recently. You really just need to review a newspaper or turn on the media reports to see that the abuse of prescription drugs has reached greater levels in the U.S. To deal with this issue, Federal prosecutors and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have directed their focus on the sale and distribution of prescription medication in an effort to close out the aptly named “pill mills” and end the illegal distribution. Oxycontin, Xanax, Methadone, Morphine, Valium, and Diazepam are just some of the various prescription drugs that are illegally abused.
Many drug criminal offenses are regarded to be connected to illegal narcotics; prescription drugs, nonetheless, are handled by the government, which means that a person may deal with a host of other criminal punishments. Some other charges that might surface 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 absolutely vary from state to state. Regardless of whether the crime is charged as a state or federal offense will influence the sentencing. The distinct type of substance involved and the amount is also extremely relevant to establishing the result of the case. Some prescription drugs, for example, are classified as Schedule I or Schedule II drugs, which usually subject the offending person to a lot more severe 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 affect your career and job offers.
Possession of illegal prescription drugs will be slapped with a misdemeanor offense and be incarcerated for up to one year and pay fines from $500 to $1,000. Other factors may cause enhanced sentencing, which suggests harsher punishments. If you have a prior conviction for a drug offense, were in possession of illegal prescription drugs or controlled substances in close proximity of a chapel, academic institution, park, or business, or a minor was engaged in the offense, you will deal with more harsh punishment.
Prescription Drugs Lawyer in New Mexico
In defense of a prescription drugs criminal case, make sure to find a legal representative that seeks any weaknesses in the evidence and any constitutional defenses based on the illegal searches and seizures, along with improperly obtained confessions. An attorney that can also use the window of time between the arrest and the filing of formal charges to impact the prosecutor’s charging decision will also be beneficial to your case.
