Criminal Charges for Prescription Drug Possession in Alabama

Criminal Charges for Prescription Drug Possession

Prescription drugs are highly regulated by the state and federal governments to ensure that only those needing such controlled substances receive them. However, it is not uncommon for unprescribed individuals to get their hands on medications, which is against Alabama drug laws. 

Some common prescription drugs involved in criminal cases include:

• Hydrocodone or Vicodin
• Oxycontin
• Valium
• Adderall
• Xanax
• Morphine
• Demerol

Alabama takes all drug crimes seriously - including those involving prescription drug possession. If you are arrested on suspicion of drug possession, you can face harsh penalties, and you need help from a Montgomery criminal defense attorney right away. 

Regulation of Prescription Drugs

The government regulates prescription drugs - and all controlled substances - on a scale, labeling them from Schedule I through Schedule V, with the former being the most dangerous. Likewise, the higher the schedule of the controlled substance, the greater the penalty for unauthorized possession. 

Prescription drugs can range from Schedule II to V, with certain prescriptions categorized alongside street drugs like cocaine or homemade methamphetamine. So, you should be prepared for the potentially serious consequences of being charged with possession of a controlled prescription drug. 

Criminal Charges & Penalties

There are different ways you can face possession charges for prescription drugs. First, you might be accused of having drugs prescribed to someone else. Authorities might allege that you forged a prescription or pretended to be a doctor to unlawfully obtain prescription drugs. There are several different scenarios that can land you facing charges in criminal court. 

In Alabama, the penalties for drug possession largely depend on the type of drug involved. For prescription drugs or prescription fraud, you can face felony charges with a possible sentence of one to ten years in prison. You might also have to pay fines up to $15,000. Further, drug convictions on your criminal record can impact your future employment, educational opportunities, and more. 

Because of the severity of the potential penalties of a conviction, you need a lawyer who regularly defends against drug crimes. Never assume that your charges are not serious because they involved a prescription medication instead of a street drug. Prosecutors aggressively pursue prescription drug possession convictions, partly to help curb the opioid epidemic in Alabama and across the U.S.

Instead, you should immediately consult with a defense attorney following your arrest. There are many ways to defend against drug possession charges, and you want to protect your future.

Reach Out to a Montgomery Criminal Defense Attorney Right Away

If you find yourself charged with unlawful possession of prescription medication, you need an experienced law firm with a drug crime defense lawyer who knows how to handle these cases. At Luck Law LLC., we are well experienced in handling charges of criminal drug possession of any controlled substance. We always work for the best possible outcome of each individual case. 

If you are facing charges of drug possession, do not hesitate to contact us today, either online or by phone at 334.262.5455.