Prescription Drug Charges

Pennsylvania has notoriously strict laws against drug abuse, carrying severe penalties like substantial fines and lengthy prison sentences. A lesser-known fact is that these laws are just as stringent when it comes to prescription medications.

The misuse of certain prescribed drugs has grown into a widespread and dangerous problem. If you or someone you care about is facing charges for the illegal possession or acquisition of prescription drugs, it is vital to get help from a knowledgeable lawyer.

What You Should Know

In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, it is against the law to obtain or possess a controlled substance through misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge. This applies whether the drug is for personal use or for sale to others. Activities such as writing a prescription on a stolen doctor’s pad or illegally obtaining drugs listed in Pennsylvania’s Drug Schedules III, IV, & V, along with certain Schedule II drugs, can lead to criminal charges.

The experienced Wellsburg criminal lawyer at Logue Law Group will relentlessly defend your rights and protect your reputation in the community.

Possible Offenses Include:

Illegally creating prescriptions by using a stolen, legitimate prescription pad from a doctor.
Unlawfully obtaining prescriptions by stealing one that belongs to someone else.
Acquiring drugs by altering a legitimate doctor’s prescription.
Using counterfeit prescriptions to get drugs.
Impersonating a medical professional to have refills authorized by a pharmacy.
Illegally distributing or selling prescription medications.
Medical practitioners can also be charged for these types of violations.

What Are Some of the Most Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs?

In the Wellsburg area, the following prescription drugs are frequently associated with abuse:

Morphine
Codeine
Adderall/amphetamines
Vicodin/hydrocodone
Demerol/meperidine
Oxycontin/oxymorphone
Xanax/alprazolam
Valium/diazepam

What Are The Consequences of a Conviction for Prescription Drug Crimes?

The repercussions of a conviction for prescription drug crimes can be life-altering. But what does “possession” actually mean in a legal sense? It includes having the physical drug on your person, such as in a container, your pocket, or purse, or even hidden within a body cavity. Possession can also be defined by an awareness that the drug is present, knowledge of its illicit nature, the intent to take control of it, and the ability to do so. A dedicated Wellsburg criminal lawyer can help dissect the specifics of your possession charge.

The penalties for illegally possessing prescription drugs like Oxycontin and Vicodin are significant. A first-time offense could result in fines up to $5,000 and one year in jail. Subsequent offenses can lead to even more severe prison sentences. Both law enforcement and arresting officers are committed to ensuring that those found guilty face the harshest possible punishments.

How Can an Attorney in Wellsburg Help You

When you are charged with a prescription drug crime, you can expect law enforcement and arresting officers to pursue the maximum penalty. At Logue Law Group, our skilled Wellsburg criminal lawyer team has a demonstrated history of successfully defending hundreds of clients against these types of charges. We are dedicated to protecting our clients’ rights and dignity, providing the strongest possible defense at trial.

If you are facing charges for prescription drug possession, forgery, or trafficking, you need expert legal representation to protect your rights and achieve the best outcome for your case.

Many prescription drug cases can be won, particularly if the legality of the police search can be challenged. Our seasoned Wellsburg DUI attorney in Wellsburg is adept at scrutinizing prescription drug charges and meticulously investigating the details of your arrest. Furthermore, if it becomes clear that you are dealing with a drug addiction, we will work tirelessly to advocate for your entry into a rehabilitation program as an alternative to incarceration. A good Wellsburg DUI attorney can also assist with related charges.