Prescription Drugs

Often, when people hear about drug possession charges, they immediately think of the usual illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. But there’s actually an abundance of drugs that are legal, but are illegal to possess without a valid prescription.

Scenarios Linked to a Possession Charge

Prescription drugs are easy to obtain through a variety of illegal methods. Examples include children stealing their parents’ medications to get high. In other cases, people obtain them through “backdoor pharmacies”, the Internet, and on the street.

Doctor shopping, prescription forgery, and illegal importation can be involved in a prescription drug crime as well, which often leads to federal drug charges.

Common Prescription Drugs Associated with Illegal Possession

In the eyes of the law, prescription medications are treated the same as cocaine and other controlled substances. These prescription drugs include OxyContin, Vicodin, Adderall, Valium, and Xanax, but perhaps the drug most associated with prescription drug possession charges are painkillers.

This is because painkillers mask pain, and in doing so, people may find themselves taking more – only to discover that they cannot make it through the day without the drug. The body adapts to the presence of the drug, and if they stop taking the drug, withdrawal symptoms occur.

Prescription drug possession can lead to fines and other consequences; penalties only increase with higher quantities and according to circumstance:

• Possession
• Possession with Intent
• Distribution/trafficking
• Manufacture/cultivation

These serious charges require serious representation. My name is Olivier E. Roche, Esq., a criminal defense attorney, is well-versed in cases related to prescription drugs. I bring years of experience, including valuable insights from my experience as a former criminal prosecutor.

I understand that the police and prosecutors often only focus on getting a confession, evidence, proof of guilt, and a conviction. As the accused you should determine whether the law enforcement has probable cause for the traffic stop, or for searching your car without your consent. If drugs were in your locker, house, or backpack, there should be reasonable suspicion or a valid warrant.

Contact my law office today to receive your free 15-minute consultation.