Fighting Back Against Illegal Prescription Drug Charges

If you are facing illegal prescription drug charges, it’s important that you contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Prosecutors in North Carolina are persistent when it comes to holding people accountable for violating the law. They may not see the addiction behind your actions, meaning you may face the most severe consequences the law will allow.

At The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett, our strong trial and negotiation skills allow us to develop strong, compelling cases for our clients. Our lead attorney has more than 34 years of criminal law experience, which means he can answer your questions and provide an honest assessment of your case. Our firm won’t let prosecutors leave you feeling backed into a corner or pressured to take a plea deal that isn’t in your best interests.

Common Illegal Prescriptions

Prescription drugs are tightly regulated by the state and federal government. Certain categories of controlled substances — such as narcotics, opiates and psychostimulants — are subject to strict controls, including:

• Oxycodone/OxyContin
• Vicodin
• Valium
• Morphine
• Ritalin
• Adderall
• Xanax

Many of these drugs tend to be highly addictive. Unfortunately, their addictive nature is often what leads to charges. What started out as a legal prescription can turn into an addiction, which can then fuel attempts to obtain more quantities of the drug by whatever means possible.

The Severity Of Prescription Drug Crimes

Illegal possession, trafficking or distribution of prescription drugs can lead to serious charges. Many people mistakenly believe that offenses involving prescription medications are treated more lightly in the court system than cases involving street drugs. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Because prescription drugs can be just as dangerous as street drugs, the law treats them with the same (or in some cases, an even higher) level of severity.

Depending on the type and quantity of the drug involved, you could be facing a felony offense and potential jail time. Prescription drug fraud — that is, obtaining drugs through a fake or fraudulent prescription, including a prescription that belongs to someone else — can likewise result in harsh criminal consequences.

Doctors, nurses and pharmacists can also run afoul of the law in this complicated area. Their easy access to drugs sometimes leads to drug crime charges such as illegal distribution.

We Can Review Your Case And Options

At The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett, we’re dedicated to getting the best outcome for our clients. We will carefully review all evidence, testimonies and applicable laws to determine what type of case prosecutors have against you and if it’s possible to get charges reduced. If police misconduct or procedural missteps — such as an illegal search of your vehicle or home — are discovered, we will fight to have the evidence against you suppressed or get the charges against you dropped.

It’s never too soon to start defending your rights. Contact our law office today to discuss your case with our lawyer during a free and confidential consultation. Call 704-334-2044 to reach our Charlotte office directly, or send us an email with a brief description of your case if it’s more convenient.