Prescription Drug Crime Lawyers Pennsylvania
Were You Charged with Illegal Prescription Drugs or Prescription Fraud in PA?
Know Your Legal Rights – We Can Help.
People take prescription medication for a variety of reasons – pain, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, depression, etc. And oftentimes, it is difficult or costly to visit doctors to get medicine, so people will look for other ways to purchase drugs or share prescriptions. Sometimes people end up getting addicted to medicine when their doctor no longer prescribes it and look for the drugs elsewhere. It can be a dangerous cycle.
Obtaining drugs without a valid prescription or by way of fraud or deception is illegal and comes with the same types of penalties as using street drugs like cocaine or heroin.
Possession of illegal prescription medication, even for a first-time offense, could mean a year in jail and a $5,000 fine, plus a misdemeanor on your criminal record.
Fortunately, there are some options available if you were charged with illegal prescription drug possession in Pennsylvania.
An Arrest is NOT a conviction.
Our drug attorneys in Media, PA can help you understand your legal rights and the penalties you face. We can help fight to get your charges dismissed or reduced to a minimum. We can also negotiate a plea deal to stay out of jail and enter into a probationary or rehabilitative program.
Illegal Prescription Drug Lawyers
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Our Drug Attorneys Can Help
If you were charged with illegal drug possession, prescription fraud, or prescription forgery, understanding what you are up against and the available options to fight your charges is crucial to a winnable case. An experienced and aggressive attorney who fights for you can help develop a strong case to fight for your rights.
Simple drug possession charges can be fought in court in order to minimize your jail sentence, and/or receive treatment options instead of a prolonged sentence. If you are facing PWID charges, our attorneys can fight your charges for a reduction in sentencing or case dismissal.
If you are currently facing illegal prescription drug charges, speak to an aggressive and experienced Drug Lawyer in Pennsylvania about your case.
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610-566-5956
Drug Possession Charges without a Prescription
If you are one of millions of Pennsylvanians who take prescription medication, you may not think much of it if you are buying them from a friend. But it is very illegal and comes with tough penalties if you are convicted.
It is illegal under Pennsylvania law – 35 Penn. Cons. Stat. § 780-113(a)(12) – to obtain any controlled substance, such as a prescription medication, through fraud, forgery, deceit, subterfuge, or misrepresentation. Using a fake prescription, forging a signature, altering a date, or using a prescription not made out to the correct person all fall into this category.
Types of Prescription Drug Offenses
Prescription drug offenses in Pennsylvania can encompass a wide range of activities. Here are some common types of prescription drug offenses:
- Possession of Prescription Drugs without a Valid Prescription: Unauthorized possession of prescription drugs without a valid prescription is a common offense. This can include painkillers, sedatives, and other controlled substances. This is a simple possession offense that typically results in a misdemeanor if convicted.
- Distribution of Prescription Drugs: Selling, distributing, or trafficking prescription drugs, especially in large quantities, can result in serious criminal charges and is usually considered a felony. Also known as PWID or Possession with Intent to Distribute.
- Prescription Fraud and Forgery: Forging or altering prescriptions to obtain drugs illegally is a form of prescription fraud and is treated as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances.
- Prescription Fraud: Prescription fraud typically involves obtaining prescription medications by using a forged or altered prescription. This can include changing the dosage, quantity, or patient information on a prescription to obtain more drugs than legally prescribed.
- Prescription Forgery: Forgery involves the creation or alteration of prescriptions with the intent to deceive pharmacists or medical professionals.
- Doctor Shopping: Visiting multiple doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions for the same medication without their knowledge or consent is considered “doctor shopping” and is illegal.
Common prescription medications in prescription fraud cases can include:
- Opioids:
- Oxycodone (e.g., OxyContin)
- Hydrocodone (e.g., Vicodin)
- Morphine
- Fentanyl
- Codeine
- Benzodiazepines:
- Alprazolam (e.g., Xanax)
- Diazepam (e.g., Valium)
- Lorazepam (e.g., Ativan)
- Clonazepam (e.g., Klonopin)
- Stimulants:
- Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (e.g., Adderall)
- Methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin)
- Modafinil (e.g., Provigil)
- Prescription Pain Medications:
- Tramadol
- Percocet
- Vicodin
- Meperidine (Demerol)
- Sleep Aids:
- Zolpidem (e.g., Ambien)
- Eszopiclone (e.g., Lunesta)
- Muscle Relaxants:
- Carisoprodol (e.g., Soma)
- Cyclobenzaprine (e.g., Flexeril)
- ADHD Medications:
- Dexmethylphenidate (e.g., Focalin)
- Lisdexamfetamine (e.g., Vyvanse)
- Antianxiety Medications:
- Buspirone (e.g., Buspar)
- Hydroxyzine (e.g., Vistaril)
- Antidepressants:
- Trazodone
- Bupropion (e.g., Wellbutrin)
- Cough Medications:
- Promethazine with codeine (e.g., Phenergan with Codeine)
- Dextromethorphan-containing products (e.g., Robitussin DM)
- Erectile Dysfunction Medications:
- Sildenafil (e.g., Viagra)
- Tadalafil (e.g., Cialis)
- Hormone Replacement Therapy:
- Testosterone
- Estrogen and Progesterone formulations
- Anti-anxiety Medications:
- Pregabalin (e.g., Lyrica)
- Gabapentin (e.g., Neurontin)
- Weight Loss Medications:
- Phentermine
- Orlistat (e.g., Alli)
If a person is convicted of illegal possession of any of these medications, the penalties in Pennsylvania can be quite harsh.
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610-566-5956
Penalties for Illegal Prescription Drug Offenses
The penalties for prescription drug offenses in Pennsylvania can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case and whether it is a first or second offense.
- Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drugs: A first offense for unlawful possession of prescription drugs may result in misdemeanor charges. Penalties can include up to one year in jail and fines of up to $5,000.
- PWID Prescription Medication: The penalties for distributing or trafficking prescription drugs can be severe. A first offense can lead to felony charges, substantial fines, and several years of imprisonment.
- Prescription Fraud: If convicted of prescription fraud, individuals may face misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the severity of the offense. Penalties may include imprisonment and fines.
Other indirect penalties for any criminal conviction of drug possession could mean other indirect penalties or restrictions, as anyone who performs a basic background check will see the conviction.
Indirect penalties of a criminal record for illegal prescription drug possession include:
- Difficulty finding a job;
- Difficulty securing housing;
- Difficulty securing financing for a home or car;
- Losing opportunities for college;
- Loss of parental rights;
- Increased insurance premiums, and;
- Loss of legal gun ownership.
These penalties can last a lifetime and can end up being the biggest price, the biggest loss of all. That is why who you hire as your attorney matters.
It is pivotal to remember that being charged is not the same as being convicted. Our attorneys can speak with you during an initial consultation to help you better understand your rights and the court process.
Medical Professionals Facing Prescription Fraud Charges
Prescription fraud can be committed by a person trying to obtain a prescription illegally or by a person distributing prescription meds illegally, such as a nurse, doctor, or pharmacist. A professional who is accused of prescription fraud has a lot at stake to clear their name, including losing their job and their practicing license.
Another type of prescription fraud that can be committed by a medicare professional is unlawfully billing Medicare, Medicaid, or another insurance company for fake prescriptions. This is a felony and if you face these types of charges, you will need a qualified attorney to assist with your case.
If you are a medical professional facing prescription fraud charges, contact the attorneys at Wana Saadzoi Law.
Call Attorney Wana Saadzoi
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610-566-5956
Fighting Illegal Prescription Drug Charges
If you are charged with illegal possession of prescription medication in Pennsylvania, do not make any statements to the police. Everything you say should be said with an attorney present.
An experienced Pennsylvania drug attorney can help you present your side of the story and look for any missteps by the police or arresting officers in order to have the case thrown out. For example, if there was no probable cause to conduct a search of your vehicle or if you had other people in the car with you, all of these things could be contested in court.
In addition, there are many alternative-to-jail programs such as Drug Court, the ARD Program, and other probationary and rehabilitative programs that may be an option to keep the charges to a minimum and help you stay out of jail. An attorney can help assist with negotiation and pleas to enter into these programs.
How Wana Saadzoi Law Can Help
At Wana Saadzoi Law, our goal is to get your charges dismissed or significantly reduced.
The penalties are harsh and life-changing. One mistake can cost you an entire future. This is why we are compassionate at Wana Saadzoi Law and will do everything possible to fight your charges.
A drug charge is not a drug conviction. Don’t give up hope.
Battling drug charges on your own could increase the likelihood that you will face penalties to the fullest potential of the law. Attorney Saadzoi will thoroughly review the details of your heroin charges, arrest, and police reports to determine if your arrest was lawful.
If there are any circumstances permitting, Attorney Saadzoi will file motions to gain leverage over the prosecution.
Attorney Saadzoi will do everything possible to get your drug charges reduced or dismissed altogether.
If there is an alternative program available for first-time offenders, Attorney Saadzoi can help you apply for the program, to receive treatment instead of jail time.
Call Attorney Saadzoi – An Experienced and Aggressive Drug Crime Lawyer
Contact Pennsylvania Attorney Wana Saadzoi if you are facing criminal charges or are the subject of a criminal investigation. As your lawyer, I will fight to protect your legal rights.
Call 610-566-5956 to schedule a free legal case evaluation.
Call Attorney Wana Saadzoi
Free Consultations: 610-566-5956
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