Prescription Drug Lawyers in Phoenix

Defense Against False Charges of Prescription Drug Crimes

When most people think of drug crimes, they think of marijuana possession, the manufacture of dangerous drugs such as meth, or the use of narcotics like crack and heroin. These are very serious drug offenses, but the list does not stop there. The Controlled Substances Act lists most dangerous and abused drugs under one of five different schedules according to their potential for abuse. Many of these substances are legal when prescribed by a licensed physician and used according to prescribed guidelines. However, prescription drugs can be abused and obtained for illegal purposes.

Need an attorney for a prescription drug charge in Phoenix? Consult with a Phoenix drug defense attorney as soon as possible to fight for your rights!

Types of Prescription Drug Crimes

For example, the prescription drug Vicodin contains a combination of acetaminophen and hydrocodone, the latter of which is a synthetic of codeine. Codeine is highly addictive, meaning that abusive use of Vicodin could result in dependence. Other such addictive drugs include Xanax, Lyrica, OxyContin and morphine. Once a person becomes addicted to a prescription, they may attempt to obtain more of the drug through prescription fraud or doctor shopping.

A person commits prescription fraud by falsifying their information or faking their illness in order to obtain a prescription, or by forging their own prescription. A physician can also be guilty of prescription fraud by writing an illegal prescription for a person who does not truly need the drug for medicinal purposes. Another way of obtaining prescriptions for addiction is through doctor shopping, where a person seeks the care of more than one physician at one time.

By failing to inform each doctor that they are seeing anyone else, they can obtain multiple prescriptions for the same drug.

Prescription Drug Crime Penalties

In Section 13-3406 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, there are harsh penalties listed for prescription fraud and doctor shopping. Possession, use, manufacture, administration or obtainment through fraud of any prescription-only drug is a class 1 misdemeanor and is punishable by six months in prison. Possession for sale, importation, trafficking or sale of a prescription-only drug is a class 6 felony and will result in six months to 1.5 years in prison. Also, any of these offenses will incur a $1,000 fine.

Need a lawyer for a Prescription Drug Charge in Phoenix?

Arrested for a prescription drug crime? Call MayesTelles PLLC today to make sure that you are aggressively defended. Unless you hire a competent Phoenix prescription drug crime lawyer, you may end up being wrongfully convicted and face severe punishments that you do not deserve. Our firm has valuable experience in trial cases and could provide the experienced representation that you need. Also, Attorney Telles is a former Maricopa County Prosecutor and could anticipate your opponent's next moves.

By retaining our firm, you could raise your chances of defending yourself from false charges of a drug crime. Call today for a free case evaluation with a helpful member of our legal team.