PITTSBURGH PRESCRIPTION FRAUD LAWYER
Illegal Possession / Distribution of Prescription Medication In PA
Illegal possession of prescription medication is an offense that violates Pennsylvania’s Controlled Substances, Drugs, Device, and Cosmetic Act.
Possession of prescription medication is of course not illegal unless you are suspected of obtaining the drugs illegally or without a valid prescription, which can include “doctor shopping”, creating fake prescriptions, stealing prescriptions, sharing someone else’s prescription or buying the prescription drugs from a drug dealer. These types of illegal drug obtainment are known as prescription fraud.
Many different types of drugs are first prescribed to a patient for valid health reasons but then lead to an addiction. Some of the most common prescription drugs that people become addicted to and then are charged with possessing illegally include Vicodin, Oxycontin, Xanax, Adderall, Morphine, Demoral, Codeine or Valium.
What may not seem like a harsh offense actually comes with stiff penalties if you are convicted.
A first offense of simple possession of an illegal prescription medication is punishable by one year in prison and a $5,000 fine.
Penalties increase if you have had more than one conviction in the past or if you were suspected of selling, manufacturing or distributing the prescription medication.
At Shrager Defense Attorneys, we know good people can often find their lives spiraling out of control and trapped in a scary legal system.
David J. Shrager is a compassionate Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyer, experienced and aggressive at winning cases. Call or text him for a free consultation.
Don’t let the situation worsen – take control of your life and fight for your rights.
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ILLEGAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG CHARGES
DO NOT HAVE TO MEAN THAT YOU WILL BE CONVICTED.
CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER ON HIS PERSONAL CELL PHONE TODAY
FOR A FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.
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DUI – PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION
If you have been arrested for Driving While Under the Influence of Prescription Medication, you should speak to a DUI Attorney who can give you a free consultation.
Even if the prescription is valid, you can be arrested and charged for a DUI and potentially lose your driver’s license and be penalized with heavy fines.
Possession with Intent to Deliver – Prescription Drugs
Many scenarios exist for obtaining prescription drugs illegally, but for the person who is manufacturing, selling or distributing the drugs, the penalties if convicted are much more severe.
This charge is called Possession with Intent to Deliver (PWID) and is typically considered a felony.
Under PA’s Controlled Substances, Drugs, Device, and Cosmetic Act, prescription medication is divided into different schedules and the penalties are dependent upon which schedule the drug falls under.
Many prescription medications are listed under Schedules IV and V, while prescription painkillers are often categorized as Schedule II.
Penalties for PWID of Prescription Medication:
Schedule II narcotic prescription drugs such as Hydrocodone (Vicodin) and Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet) – Felony; maximum imprisonment of 15 years, or a fine not exceeding two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000), or both. This fine can be increased to exhaust the profits obtained from the illegal activity.
Schedule IV prescription drugs such as Alprazolam (Xanax), Clonazepam (Klonopin), Diazepam (Valium), Lorazepam (Ativan), and Temazepam (Restoril) – Felony; imprisonment not exceeding three years, or a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000), or both.
Schedule V prescription drugs such as Robitussin AC, Phenergan with Codeine, Pregabalin (Lyrica) and Pyrovalerone (Centroton, Thymergix) – Misdemeanor; imprisonment not exceeding one year, or a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both.
If you or loved one have been charged with PWID In PA, it is because the arresting officers suspected you of:
You may be charged with PWID based on several factors, which could include:
- The quantity of the prescription medication
- How the prescription drugs are packaged
- Location and behavior during arrest
DON’T BE SCARED; BE PREPARED!
Shrager Defense Attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and the penalties you face. It is important to remember that an arrest is not a conviction.
You are innocent until proven guilty and Attorney Shrager and his team will personally do everything they can to fight for your rights and your freedom. He is available by cell to all of his clients 24/7.
There are plenty of instances where prescription drug cases can be won. For instance, if the police did not have probable cause to search and seizure, then the evidence can be suppressed which will mean your charges will be dropped. An experienced attorney knows how the legal system works and will closely examine your case to determine if your arrest was illegal.
In addition, most prescription drug users have become addicted to their drugs and there are conditional programs that exist which offer rehabilitation instead of jail time. However, you have to first apply and then be accepted into these programs. Having an attorney who can aggressively push for your acceptance into these programs is crucial.
_________________________________________________________
PRESCRIPTION FRAUD CHARGES
DO NOT HAVE TO MEAN THAT YOU WILL BE CONVICTED.
CALL OR TEXT DAVID J. SHRAGER ON HIS PERSONAL CELL PHONE TODAY
FOR A FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION: 412-969-2540.
_______________________
FREE Legal Consultation
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Shrager Defense Attorneys in Pittsburgh, PA will attack your criminal charges in order to protect your good name. Have a sound and solid case prepared by David J. Shrager and his legal team so they can fight for your rights.
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If you or a family member have been arrested or charged with a drug crime for any of the following, call Shrager Defense Attorneys today: