Drug crimes related to prescriptions are not just because of the illegal sale of them. There are many ways that a person could commit a prescription drug crime without even knowing that they committed a crime at all.
The consequences of a prescription drug crime can be severe, even if the defendant did not realize they were committing a crime at the time of a conviction. It is possible to commit a prescription drug crime without even touching a prescription. Here is a shortlist of prescription drug crime examples:
Doctor shopping
Getting the desired prescription is not a guarantee at a doctor’s office. Pursuing medicine at multiple doctor offices is called “doctor shopping,” and it is a form of prescription drug fraud. This form of a drug crime can count as either a misdemeanor or felony.
Prescription forgery
Stealing a doctor’s prescription pad and writing prescriptions for painkillers or other drugs is commonly a misdemeanor. Still, a court can elevate the charges into a felony depending on the number of drugs the defendant obtained and other factors like previous convictions.
Possession for sale
Holding a large enough amount of prescription drugs is enough to qualify as having the intent to sell drugs, but it is not the only indicator. Having paraphernalia of drug sales can indicate the intent to sell, such as weighing scales, large amounts of cash, and packaging for the drugs.
Possession without a valid prescription
Obtaining a prescription drug without the necessary prescription is also a crime. A conviction for this crime can result in large fines and jail time. It is possible to avoid jail time by participating in drug programs.
Transportation of drugs
Selling drugs is no doubt a crime, but so is transporting them. Transporting even a small amount of prescriptions can result in misdemeanor charges or worse. If the police caught someone crossing state lines with drugs, the charges could increase into a felony.
Consult with an attorney
If you face drug charges or think you may be soon, consult with a criminal defense attorney immediately. An experienced lawyer can review your situation to determine if the charges against you are accurate and what you can do to defend yourself against them.