Waxhaw Prescription Drug Charges Lawyers

Prescription Drug Charges

Waxhaw Prescription Drug Charges Defense Attorney

Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem in the United States, and Waxhaw, North Carolina is no exception. According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, prescription drug overdose deaths increased by 29% in the state from 2019 to 2020. Opioids were the most commonly involved drug among these deaths. It is well known that certain types of prescription drug abuse can lead to addiction, overdose, and negative health outcomes for individuals and communities.

For all these reasons, prescription drug crimes are taken very seriously by both North Carolina authorities and federal agents.

If you are accused of possession or drug trafficking of controlled prescription medications, it is crucial that you seek a quality criminal defense attorney at the earliest possibility. When you have been charged with a drug crime, your future, your reputation, and your freedom are all at stake.

Understanding Prescription Drug Crimes

Prescription drug-related crimes can take many forms. Some typical scenarios include:

• Prescription fraud, such as filling out fake prescriptions or altering prescriptions to change medication names or increase dosages
• Doctor shopping, or the act of visiting multiple doctors to systematically seek controlled medications
• Theft and redistribution of prescription drugs
• Illegal distribution of properly prescribed drugs

All crimes involving prescription drugs are prosecuted aggressively. This is due to the toll opioids and other drugs have taken on North Carolina communities. Penalties for conviction can likewise be severe. They may include jail time, fines, and other legal and extralegal consequences.

If you are facing charges related to prescription drug trafficking or possession, it is important to seek the advice of a competent criminal defense attorney who has experience handling drug cases. A savvy drug crime lawyer can:

• Review the specific facts of your case.
• Assess the evidence for and against you.
• Scan the arrest record for any evidence of improper or unconstitutional activity by the arresting officers.
• Work to build the strongest possible legal defense on your behalf.

Throughout this process, it is vital that you be open and honest with your attorney. You must give them all relevant information about your case to ensure that they have a complete understanding of the situation. At the Law Offices of Huffman & Kendrick, we understand that there can be feelings of guilt, shame, and embarrassment related to matters of criminality, drug abuse, and addiction. We want all our clients and prospective clients to know that we vow to treat their individual stories with the empathy, respect, and professionalism they deserve.

What Are the Most Common Drug Charges in North Carolina?

The most common drug charges in North Carolina courts vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. They also change year to year as different drugs and different models of distribution rise and fall.

Some of the most consistently common drug offenses in the state include:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance: This is the most commonly charged drug offense in North Carolina by a significant margin. It involves possessing any drug that is listed on the FDA’s controlled substance schedules. This includes so-called “street” drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. It also involves prescription drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone, Xanax, and Adderall.
• Possession With Intent to Sell or Deliver: This charge involves possessing a controlled substance with the intent to sell, trade, deliver, or otherwise distribute it to others. Prosecutors in these cases must prove that the defendant had the specific intent to sell or distribute the drug. This case can be built around several factors, such as the quantity of drugs found or the presence of packaging materials or scales.
• Drug Trafficking: This charge involves selling, transporting, or distributing large amounts of drugs on a large scale, typically across state or national borders. It can be thought of as the organizational version of possession with intent to deliver. It is often invoked in cases involving gangs and other organized crime operations. Drug trafficking charges can result in severe penalties, such as lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines.
• Drug Manufacturing: This charge involves producing or cultivating controlled substances. It could be anything from operating a meth lab to growing a cannabis plant. The charges will be more serious when the producer has the intent to sell or distribute the drugs. Manufacturing illegal drugs for sale can result in serious criminal penalties. These include some of the most significant prison sentences to be found in North Carolina drug cases.
• Prescription Drug Offenses: Prescription drug offenses can fall under a variety of criminal codes. It includes activities such as doctor shopping, prescription fraud, and illegal distribution of prescription drugs, up to violent crimes such as armed pharmacy robbery. Most of these offenses can be prosecuted as felonies and may therefore result in significant prison time.

It is important to note that the penalties for prescription drug offenses in North Carolina will vary depending on several factors, including:

• The specific charges
• The quantity and type of drugs involved
• The defendant’s previous criminal history

If you are facing drug charges in North Carolina, it is essential to seek the advice of a competent criminal defense attorney. They can provide guidance and representation throughout the ensuing legal process. Even if you believe your innocence will carry you through, navigating the legal system can be extremely overwhelming and confusing. The experienced team at the Law Offices of Huffman & Kendrick can ensure that you are treated with respect and represent your story in court.

What Is Possession With Intent to Sell in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, possession with intent to sell or deliver (PWISD) is a felony offense. It involves possessing a controlled substance with the intent to sell, distribute, or deliver it to others. Prosecutors in these cases must prove that the defendant had a specific, demonstrable intent to sell or distribute the drug. This can be based on several factors:

• The quantity of drugs found
• Prior criminal history
• Large amounts of cash found alongside drugs at the time of the arrest
• The presence of packaging materials, scales, bags, etc.

If convicted of PWISD in North Carolina, the penalties can include:

• Imprisonment
• Fines
• Probation
• Community service
• Drug treatment programs.

This will vary depending on the severity of the charges, the quality of your legal defense, and extenuating circumstances. These can include whether the crime was violent in nature or if the drug use caused a traffic accident.

The law treats prescription drugs in the same way as other controlled substances. However, cases involving prescription drugs can often become more complicated than those involving other types of illicit substances. These cases frequently involve multiple third parties, like doctors and health systems. For example, a defendant may be accused of altering a prescription to fraudulently obtain drugs.

The penalties and consequences for prescription drug offenses can sometimes be more severe than for other drug offenses. This can be especially true if the defendant is a medical professional or pharmacist. For example, a medical professional or pharmacist is convicted of illegal prescription drug distribution. They will almost certainly have their professional license revoked. This is in addition to whatever criminal penalties are ordered by the court.

Contact the Law Offices of Huffman & Kendrick for Help With Your Prescription Drug Case

If you are facing criminal charges related to prescription drugs, it is essential to seek the advice of a competent criminal defense attorney. We can provide guidance and representation throughout the challenging legal process to come. Reach out to the team at the Law Offices of Huffman & Kendrick today.