Baltimore Prescription Drug Possession Defense Lawyer

Baltimore Crimianl Defense Lawyers

When most people think of drug crimes, they think about the possession or sale of illicit drugs like marijuana, heroin, or ecstasy. It is easy to forget that prescription drugs are illegal to possess unless you have a valid prescription, and the penalties for the unauthorized possession of these kinds of medications are just as serious as those associated with street drugs like those mentioned above.

Prescription drug charges involve possession of dangerous, narcotic drugs that are obtained by fraud. Doctors and others who write phony scrips and those who use the scrips can be charged. Prosecutors often have more sympathy for prescription drugs charges because people usually form their addictions while taking the drugs according to prescription.

Examples of Illegal Prescription Drug Possession

Sharing drugs with friends and family members may seem like a normal thing to do for many people. In fact, a substantial number of people who are convicted of prescription drug crimes are not even aware of the fact that what they are doing is illegal. Consider the following scenarios:

  • Students studying for exams who share “study drugs” in order to improve concentration and stay awake
  • Family members who share their prescription painkillers after an injury or to treat a bad migraine
  • Travel partners who share anti-anxiety medications when flying on a bumpy flight

In all of these situations, the person sharing the drugs and the person receiving them are likely breaking the law. If they are caught, they could be subjected to significant legal penalties, including the following:

  • Probation
  • Fines
  • Drug and alcohol counseling
  • Jail time

In addition, a conviction for an offense involving prescription drugs could have a significant effect on your personal and professional life as well. More and more employers require that job applicants undergo a background check as a condition of employment, and a conviction for the unauthorized possession of prescription drugs may make an employer hesitant to give a person a job. In addition, landlords are often wary of potential tenants who have drug convictions, as they may worry about illegal activity taking place on their property. Because of these potentially serious consequences, it is important for anyone accused of a prescription drug crime to retain a lawyer familiar with Maryland law immediately.

Many People Do Not Even Realize They are Breaking the Law

Sharing drugs with friends and family members may seem like a normal thing to do for many people. In fact, a substantial number of people who are convicted of prescription drug crimes are not even aware of the fact that what they are doing is illegal. Consider the following scenarios:

  • Students studying for exams who share “study drugs” in order to improve concentration and stay awake
  • Family members who share their prescription painkillers after an injury or to treat a bad migraine
  • Travel partners who share anti-anxiety medications when flying on a bumpy flight

In all of these situations, the person sharing the drugs and the person receiving them are likely breaking the law. If they are caught, they could be subjected to significant legal penalties, including the following:

  • Probation
  • Fines
  • Drug and alcohol counseling
  • Jail time

In addition, a conviction for an offense involving prescription drugs could have a significant effect on your personal and professional life as well. More and more employers require that job applicants undergo a background check as a condition of employment, and a conviction for the unauthorized possession of prescription drugs may make an employer hesitant to give a person a job. In addition, landlords are often wary of potential tenants who have drug convictions, as they may worry about illegal activity taking place on their property. Because of these potentially serious consequences, it is important for anyone accused of a prescription drug crime to retain a lawyer familiar with Maryland law immediately.

Our Baltimore Prescription Drug Defense Lawyers Can Help

If you have been accused of a crime involving prescription drugs in Maryland, you should call a lawyer as soon as you can. Randolph Rice is a Baltimore criminal defense attorney who is committed to providing effective and solution-focused legal representation and counsel to individuals accused of criminal misconduct. To schedule a free consultation with an attorney, call Rice, Murtha & Psoras today at (410) 431-0911 or contact us online.