Prescription Drug Charges

Do You Need a Racine Prescription Drug Charges Lawyer?

The abuse of prescription drugs is a health concern in Wisconsin, leading to a greater emphasis on treatment rather than punishment for those who are addicted. A recent national survey revealed that 16 million people in the country reported using prescription drugs for non-medical reasons.

But the unauthorized use and distribution of prescription drugs still remain serious offenses in Wisconsin. The penalties for drug crimes in Wisconsin depend upon how the drugs are listed with regard to potential for abuse, as well as the quantity of drugs, how they were obtained, and other factors, such as the location of the crime and the accused’s criminal record.

If you have been charged with a crime involving prescription drugs, the repercussions for your freedom, your finances and your future can be enormous. An experienced Racine prescription drug charges lawyer will work with you to assess the case against you and seek the best possible resolution for your circumstances.

Criminal charges can involve prescription drugs of all kinds. Often charges involve opioids like Vicodin and OxyContin, depressants like Valium and Xanax, and stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin.Some typical offenses involving prescription drugs include:

Driving Under the Influence

You may assume that DUI refers only to driving under the influence of alcohol. But you also can face a DUI charge if a police officer believes that you are driving under the influence of a drug. Moreover, you could be accused of other charges involving a prescription drug, based on a blood test.

Forged Prescriptions

Forgery of prescriptions is a common drug-related charge. Even nurses and other medical professionals have been charged with forging prescriptions using stolen prescription pads. The consequences for using fraud to obtain prescription drugs can be extensive. Depending on the facts of a case, you could face state or even federal charges.

Federal Penalties

Federal law covers the use, possession and sale of prescription drugs. So you might find yourself facing federal charges under the Controlled Substances Act. Depending on the seriousness of the offense – for example, whether it involves trafficking –federal drug charges could be punishable by decades in prison and millions of dollars in fines. If you are facing federal charges, speak to our federal criminal defense attorney today.

Your Rights

If you are charged with a drug offense, whether by federal or state authorities, you are entitled to the same rights as anyone who is accused of a crime. You are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. You also have the right not to speak to law enforcement. And you cannot be subjected to unreasonable search and seizure. Patrick Cafferty will work to protect your rights and will challenge the charges if your legal rights were violated.

Alternatives to Prison Time

Recent changes in the law could allow you to avoid incarceration. You need a skillful Racine, Kenosha and Walworth prescription drug charges attorney to advocate for alternative treatment, not imprisonment.

Call Us Today

We know that a drug charge can cause you to feel intense stress and fear. Your case will have our full attention as we work to prepare the strongest possible defense on your behalf. Connect with Cafferty & Scheidegger today.