Prescription drugs meant to treat different health issues can also be dangerous if misused, which is why authorities consider them as controlled substances. Some laws exist to restrict and regulate these drugs, with varying rules based on the type of substance and the circumstances. Certain violations can happen without involving the actual substance. In some instances, unlawful activities involving the prescription alone can lead to felony charges.
Various prescription-related crimes can be felonies. These violations could include the following:
- Forging and creating fake prescriptions or labels for controlled medication
- Inaccurate and misleading prescriptions or drug labels
- Conducting business involving prescriptions and controlled medication without adequate recordkeeping of transaction statements or histories
Taking the incorrect dosage or type of prescription medication can lead to physical harm and fatalities. The law considers these crimes as felonies, ranging from third to first-degree, depending on the details. If the incident leads to other violations on top of the prescription-related offense, there could be more severe penalties, such as mandatory fines and other sanctions deemed appropriate by the court.
The usual offenses accompanying these crimes can include the unauthorized selling of prescription drugs or unlawful dispensing of these controlled substances that cause harm or death. In these scenarios, the violator could face even worse consequences based on the situation.
Knowing what to do about charges involving prescription drugs
Whether knowingly committing these violations or not, specific factors can affect the outcome, such as intent or the nature of the offense. Sometimes, the violators could be unaware of the incident’s actual severity until an investigation reveals further details showing activities leading up to it.
When facing charges involving prescription and controlled medication, seeking legal counsel can be helpful. Doing so can help involved parties understand the legal implications of the incident details, helping them make informed decisions about what to do next.
