What Are Prescription Drug Crimes?

Prescription drug crimes are becoming increasingly common in the United States. In fact, prescription drug misuse and abuse have become a national epidemic, claiming thousands of lives a year. A recent study from the National Institute of Drug Abuse revealed that prescription drugs are now the second most abused category of drugs in America, after marijuana.

This blog post will define what prescription drug crimes are and discuss some of the most common types of prescription drug crimes. We will also explore who can be held liable for these crimes and the penalties associated with each crime in Georgia.

What Is a Prescription Drug Crime?

So, what is a prescription drug crime? Generally speaking, a prescription drug crime is any crime that involves the possession, distribution, or manufacture of a controlled substance. Controlled substances are drugs that have been determined by the government to have a high potential for abuse and dependence. Examples of controlled substances include narcotics like oxycodone and hydrocodone, as well as sedatives like Xanax and Valium.

What Are The Most Common Types of Prescription Drug Crimes?

There are a number of different types of prescription drug crimes, but some of the most common include:

Possession of a Controlled Substance

This is perhaps the most basic type of prescription drug crime. Possession of a controlled substance simply means having the drug in your possession without a valid prescription. This crime is typically charged as a misdemeanor but can be charged as a felony if the amount of the drug in your possession is large enough. If you are convicted of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, you can face 1 to 5 years of jail.

Possession With Intent to Distribute

Possession with intent to distribute is a more serious offense than simple possession. This crime occurs when you possess a controlled substance to sell to others. This crime is usually charged as a felony, and the penalties can be quite severe. If you are charged with possession to distribute, you can face up 1 to 30 years of imprisonment in Georgia.

Forgery of a Prescription Drug

Forgery of a prescription drug occurs when someone falsifies a prescription in order to obtain a controlled substance. This can be done by altering the date, quantity, or strength of the medication on the prescription. Forgery of a prescription drug is a federal offense and carries heavy penalties. If you are convicted of this crime, you could face a fine of up to $1,000 and incarceration for at least one year In Georgia.

If you are facing drug crime charges, you don’t have to face them alone. Contact Nick Lotito & Seth Kirschenbaum at (404) 471-3177 to schedule a free case consultation.