Overview Of Offenses Related To Prescription Drugs

A prescription drug is a medication that can only be obtained by getting written instructions from a licensed health care provider such as a doctor, nurse, or dentist. Over the past few decades, as increasingly powerful and effective pharmaceuticals have entered the market legitimately, there has been an increase in the abuse of these drugs for nonmedical use.

Prescription drug abuse has become increasingly prevalent among teens and young adults who often steal pills from a parent or guardian that has a valid prescription. Also, there are many reported cases of individuals charged with a prescription drug crime who were initially prescribed the medication for a legitimate reason, but have subsequently become dependent on the drug.

About Prescription Fraud

Many people are surprised to find themselves charged with a drug crime in Texas for simply possessing a prescription medication that is available for purchase at their neighborhood drugstore. Not everybody realizes that owning prescription medication is only legal if the prescription is written for him or her personally. Prescription fraud is the illegal acquisition of prescription drugs for personal use or profit. This includes theft, burglary, backdoor pharmacies, and illegal importation or distribution of prescription drugs. It is also illegal to alter a prescription written by a doctor. It is possible to commit prescription fraud by:

• Forging prescriptions entirely;
• Going to several doctors for multiple prescriptions (“doctor shopping”);
• Stealing blank prescription forms; and
• Altering written prescriptions to increase the quantity.

What Is A Pretrial Diversion Program?

A pretrial diversion program is an alternative sentence, usually only for first-time offenders, that may allow an offender the opportunity to avoid a conviction. Your lawyer can negotiate a deal in which you may avoid incarceration by completing this court-ordered agreement, which usually entails a drug treatment program. After successful completion of the agreed upon terms, the case is dismissed and the person is not convicted. However, if the defendant violates the terms (for example, by failing a drug test) he or she will be brought back to court, convicted and sentenced.

Have You Been Charged With A Prescription Drug Offense In Plano, Texas?

Being charged with a prescription drug crime in Plano can be frightening. Often, defendants are people who have never been charged with a crime before, and find that they need help understanding their charges as well as the criminal process. No matter what your situation, you are facing very serious consequences, and you need to seek representation from an experienced lawyer. Many prescription drug crimes (including prescription fraud, illegal possession, or trafficking and distribution) are felonies that can carry serious penalties. If convicted you could be facing prison time, thousands in fines, court-ordered drug treatment, and a felony on your criminal record for years to come. The Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC, understands what you’re going through, and we’d like to help. With over 100 trial cases and years of experiencing helping clients with their drug crimes charges, attorney Jason Zendeh Del always strives to give his clients the best results possible.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a prescription drug crime, please call an experienced Plano criminal defense lawyer at the Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC, today!