Over the past decades, improper prescription drug use has increased in the United States. In response, lawmakers on both the Michigan and federal levels have been taking action to prevent the illegal use, possession, and trafficking of prescription drugs. Most of these drugs are medicinal and used to help treat various medical issues such as chronic pain, depression, and other mental health disorders. However, when used without a prescription or another medical need, these drugs can result in dangerous, habit-forming addictions that pose a substantial risk to your health and well-being. This article will discuss issues with prescription drugs, the various charges, and the associated penalties.
Skilled Michigan Prescription Drug Representation
If you have been charged with a prescription drug crime in Michigan, it can be challenging to know what to do or where you can turn. The process associated with a prescription drug offense can be complex and confusing, even for the most experienced. However, regardless of your experience, it is crucial that you take defense against these charges seriously. A prescription drug conviction can have substantial consequences in terms of prison time, fines, and future opportunities like housing or a career. When you need skilled prescription drug offense representation, it is essential that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A skilled criminal defense attorney will understand the criminal justice process and help you formulate the best defense possible. George Law criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience representing clients with their Michigan drug offenses and are ready to represent you. To learn more or schedule your free initial case consultation, call 248-247-7459 or visit our website today.
Michigan Prescription Drug Crimes
Michigan law has criminalized several prescription drug crimes. These crimes can involve possessing specific drugs or the tools or instruments to obtain prescription drugs illegally. Nonetheless, many prescription drug offenses are felonies, for which you may serve lengthy prison sentences and pay hefty fines if convicted.
Prescription Fraud
Prescription fraud occurs when you obtain a drug prescription from a doctor or other medical provider using fraud. If convicted, you could face a felony conviction that imposes up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Prescription Drug Forms Offenses
There are several laws related to the possession and trafficking of prescription forms, valid and counterfeit. These laws address and regulate the forms doctors use to order prescriptions for their patients.
Possession Of A Prescription Form
You may not knowingly or intentionally have a prescription form unless it was lawfully provided to you by a doctor during treatment or practice. This means you cannot have those forms to order prescriptions unless a doctor gives them to you for medical treatment. Possession of a prescription form is a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.
Possession Of A Counterfeit Prescription Form
Similar to possession of a prescription form, possession of a counterfeit prescription form occurs when you knowingly or intentionally have a fake prescription form. Possession of a counterfeit prescription form is a felony punishable by up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $30,000.
Trafficking Counterfeit Or Genuine Prescription Forms
Under Michigan law, you may not create, manufacture, deliver, or possess with the intent to deliver any kind of prescription form, genuine or counterfeit. If you perform any of these actions, you may be charged with a felony. If you are convicted of trafficking in prescription forms, you may face up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.
Additional Prescription Drug Penalties And Consequences
The penalties for the above may be imposed if you are convicted for any of those offenses. The penalties associated with these charges are established and written in Michigan law. However, additional penalties or consequences may result from a potential conviction for a prescription drug offense. If you are convicted, you may face other consequences, including:
- Loss of financial aid eligibility for higher education
- Convictions on your permanent record that can affect your ability to obtain or hold employment
- Loss of suspension of your driver’s license
- Depending on your immigration status, you may lose your visa or green card, be denied citizenship, or be deported if you are a non-citizen
- Loss of a professional license if you work in a field that requires one (doctor, nurse, lawyer, teacher, etc.)
While these penalties are not fines or jail time, it is essential to take these consequences seriously as they can drastically affect your day-to-day life in the short and long term. It is vital to hire an experienced prescription drug offense attorney to represent you to prevent or mitigate these consequences.
Hiring A Michigan Prescription Drug Offense Attorney
If you have been charged with a prescription drug offense in Michigan, you may be overwhelmed and unsure what to do. Prescription drug charges are confusing and pose high penalties if convicted. In these circumstances, you need skilled and competent prescription drug charge representation. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can help analyze your case and present the best defense possible. George Law criminal defense attorneys have extensive experience representing clients with prescription drug offenses and are ready to represent you. To learn more or schedule your free initial case consultation, call 248-247-7459 or visit our website today.
