Prescription drugs are just about everywhere- in the newspapers, television and radio. You only have to keep your eyes open to see that the abuse of prescription drugs has come to great levels in the U.S. To beat this issue, Federal prosecutors and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have directed their thought on the sale and distribution of prescription medication in an effort to close out the commonly named “pill mills” and end the forbidden distribution. Oxycontin, Xanax, Methadone, Morphine, Valium, and Diazepam are just some of the various prescription drugs that are illegally abused.
The majority of drug criminal offenses are regarded to be connected to illegal narcotics; prescription drugs, however, are handled by the government, which implies that a person may deal with a host of other criminal punishments. Some other charges that might surface include possession of prescription drugs without a lawful prescription, or for the distribution, manufacturing, sale or trafficking of the substance without the valid authority to do so. Prescription fraud is another serious matter connected to prescription drug offenses, involving the various crimes of deception, forgery, and misrepresentation.
Prescription Drugs Criminal Penalties
The penalties that might be imposed for a prescription drugs offense will certainly differ from one state to another. Whether the crime is charged as a state or federal offense will influence the sentencing. The definite type of substance involved and the quantity 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 generally subject the offending person to a lot 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 affect your profession and employment opportunities.
Possession or use of a prescription drug without a valid prescription is considered a class 1 misdemeanor in Arizona and is punishable by a 6-month jail term and a $1,000 fine. There are factors may cause enhanced sentencing, which indicates harsher consequences. If you have a previous conviction for a drug offense or were in possession of illegal prescription drugs or controlled substances in a drug-free zone, expect to deal with much more serious penalties.
Prescription Drugs Lawyer in Arizona
In defense of a prescription drugs criminal case, make sure to find a lawyer that seeks out any weaknesses 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 use the window of time between the arrest and the filing of formal charges to impact the prosecutor’s charging decision will also be helpful to your case.
