Frederick County Prescription Drug Lawyer
Prescription medications, though available to people who need them in regulated amounts, are often involved in drug crimes. These substances can be highly addictive and carry the potential for abuse. Charges of prescription drug possession or distribution can be severe, as this crime is investigated and prosecuted aggressively under the law.
If you are facing these charges, consult a Frederick County prescription drug lawyer as soon as possible. A seasoned drug attorney who could fight for your rights in court may be crucial to the outcome of your case.
Severity of Prescription Drug Offenses
The severity of an individual’s prescription drug charges will depend on the specific circumstances of their offense. A person who has been selling prescription medications to others will likely face a harsher sentence than someone who was prescribed a medication, got addicted, and began purchasing the drug illegally. As evidenced in situations like the current opioid epidemic, otherwise law-abiding citizens can easily get swept up in addiction because of a prescription that may have once been necessary.
Prescription drug cases are a high priority for Frederick law enforcement because of the danger they impose on the community. An illegally obtained prescription medication is often a gateway drug to far more serious substances, and their presence on the streets creates the potential of rampant addiction.
In court, if the charges are just possession, then the judge will generally try to take a softer approach in an attempt to alleviate their addiction problems. If the case is at a higher felony level, such as a distribution case, the judge may rule more harshly. A local lawyer could represent a defendant’s best interests in a prescription drug trial regardless of the nature of their charges.
Proof of Prescription
If an individual is found with prescription drugs but no prescription, they can be arrested for possession. Anyone who is prescribed a controlled substance is required to keep the pills inside the original bottle, as the bottle itself will show the name of the drug and the prescription. If someone does not have the prescription with them when they are asked to produce it, they would have to show proof of prescription at a later time for the possession charge to be dismissed.
What Types of Evidence is Used in a Prescription Drug Case?
The evidence in a drug prescription case usually centers around the nature of the drug and how much the defendant had in their possession. For example, a hundred high-strength painkiller pills would bring more severe charges than a few Adderall pills.
Additionally, the prosecution will examine what the defendant was doing with the medication, which could also significantly affect the severity of the charges. An experienced attorney could help the accused individual build a comprehensive defense to counter the prosecution’s argument.
How a Frederick County Prescription Drug Attorney Could Help
A skilled lawyer who is familiar with the legal components of police procedure and evidence can challenge to these types of cases from many steps. They could examine the legality of a search or seizure of the defendant, whether the drugs can be attributed to the defendant, or whether there’s an alternative explanation for the drugs being found in their possession.
If you have been accused of possessing or distributing prescription drugs, you should seek immediate legal representation. A Frederick County drug lawyer could help you reduce or dismiss the charges against you and give you peace of mind throughout the litigation process. Call today to schedule a consultation.