Glendale Prescription Drug Lawyer

Glendale Prescription Drug Attorney

Some prescription medications have addictive qualities. Over time, someone who starts using a drug to relieve symptoms or treat a condition might find they need to keep taking ever-larger doses to stay functional.

Several crimes are associated with prescription drug addiction, including possessing them without a prescription, and obtaining them through a fraudulent or forged prescription. These are serious drug-related crimes, but a Glendale prescription drug lawyer can often help an offender avoid jail in many cases.

CRIMES ASSOCIATED WITH PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Many drugs with a legitimate medical purpose are subject to abuse. There is a street demand for painkillers, muscle relaxants, stimulants, tranquilizers, diet pills and other prescription drugs.

Arizona Revised Statute § 13-3406 describes the various prescription drug crimes. It is illegal to possess a prescription drug without a valid prescription, and to possess a drug prescribed for someone else. It is a crime to forge a prescription or obtain a prescription through fraudulent means by misstating symptoms, using another person’s identification, or similar methods.

It is a Class 1 misdemeanor to possess a prescription-only drug without a prescription or obtain it through fraudulent means. Possessing prescription-only drugs with the intent to sell or transport them is a Class 6 felony.

SENTENCING AFTER A PRESCRIPTION DRUG CRIME CONVICTION

Arizona Revised Statute § 13-901.01 allows someone accused of possessing a prescription-only drug without a prescription to receive probation rather than a prison sentence for their first or second offenses. When someone is convicted for a third time, the probation-only sentence is no longer an option.

A conviction on a charge of unauthorized possession of prescription drugs, possessing the materials to make them, or manufacturing them could lead to six months in jail. Possessing prescription drugs for sale or distribution, or a second possession conviction within two years, carries a presumptive prison sentence of one year. The sentence could be as long as two years or as short as three months, depending on aggravating and mitigating factors.

Anyone convicted of any crime related to prescription-only drugs must pay a $1,000 fine in addition to any other penalties the court imposes. Penalties often include costs, fees, and surcharges. A Glendale attorney will explain the potential impact of a conviction on a prescription drug charge.

ALTERNATIVE SENTENCING FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUG CRIMES

As noted above, the law requires probation rather than incarceration for possession crimes in many cases. The state recognizes that many prescription-only drug crimes arise from addiction and substance misuse disorder, and resolving them often involves treatment.

Probation for prescription-only drug crimes typically involves a drug and alcohol assessment, and treatment recommendations. Treatment could involve enrollment in a residential program or out-patient care involving counseling, support groups, and other services as recommended. Regular clean drug tests are a condition of probation.

Someone with felony charges related to prescription-only drugs could apply to participate in Maricopa County drug court. This rigorous program is not available to all offenders, but could be a beneficial way to manage charges in a specific case. A Glendale attorney can discuss whether drug court is a viable option.

FIGHT PRESCRIPTION-ONLY DRUG CHARGES WITH A GLENDALE ATTORNEY

Arizona takes violations of prescription-only drug laws seriously, but there is often a way to resolve the charges without incarceration. A Glendale prescription drug lawyer helps you achieve the best results the circumstances permit.

Do not try to respond to drug charges without first scheduling a free consultation from Grand Canyon Law Group.

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