Prescription Drug Defense Attorney in Kingston, PA Focused on Prescription Drug Offense Defense in Luzerne County, Lackawanna County, Columbia County, and Throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania
Our Luzerne County prescription drug charges lawyer fights for those charged with prescription drug offenses. Your charges may have stemmed from constitutional violations, procedural mistakes, or a misunderstanding. Many defendants are struggling with addiction, mental health issues, or chronic pain conditions that led to their involvement with prescription medications.
At Muckler Law, we recognize that people who have been charged with a drug crime deserve a second chance and that criminal charges often stem from medical needs rather than criminal intent. This is why we work to ensure our clients' constitutional rights are protected, fight against overly harsh punishments, and advocate for treatment-based solutions rather than incarceration.
Which Drugs Are Illegal Without a Prescription in Pennsylvania?
Simple possession of prescription drugs without a valid prescription is typically charged as a misdemeanor for first-time offenders, while activities like prescription fraud, forgery, or doctor shopping are considered felonies with more severe penalties. The law also prohibits sharing or selling prescription medications to others, even if you have a valid prescription for them yourself.
Schedule II Controlled Substances
Schedule II controlled substances in Pennsylvania include:
- Opioid Pain Medications: This includes oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), hydrocodone (Vicodin), morphine, fentanyl, and methadone.
- Stimulants: This includes Adderall (amphetamine), Ritalin (methylphenidate), Dexedrine, and Vyvanse.
Schedule III Controlled Substances
Schedule III controlled substances in Pennsylvania include pain medications like Tylenol with Codeine and buprenorphine. It also includes anabolic steroids like testosterone.
Schedule IV Controlled Substances
Schedule IV controlled substances in Pennsylvania include anti-anxiety medications like:
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- Valium (diazepam)
- Klonopin (clonazepam)
It also includes sleep medications like Ambien (zolpidem), Lunesta (eszopiclone), and Sonata (zaleplon).
Schedule V Controlled Substances
Schedule V controlled substances in Pennsylvania include cough medicines with limited amounts of codeine, Lyrica (pregabalin), Robitussin AC, and Ezogabine.
How a Luzerne County Prescription Drug Charges Attorney Can Help
A Luzerne County prescription drug charges attorney can help clients navigate Pennsylvania's drug court program when eligible, potentially turning a criminal charge into an opportunity for treatment and rehabilitation while avoiding a permanent criminal record.
Additionally, your attorney will meticulously review all aspects of your case by:
- Examining whether law enforcement followed proper procedures during the arrest and search
- Analyzing medical records and prescription documentation
- Identifying potential constitutional violations
We can also negotiate with prosecutors, protect your rights during questioning, represent you at all court proceedings, help maintain your professional licenses, and work to minimize the impact on your family and employment while developing a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
The Penalties for Prescription Drug Charges in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, prescription drug charges carry serious consequences ranging from misdemeanor penalties for simple possession to felony charges for fraud or distribution. The potential penalties for a conviction on a prescription drug charge including hefty fines, imprisonment, and collateral consequences that can impact your future employment, education, and professional licensing.
- Simple possession: The penalties for a first offense include up to 1 year in jail and/or up to $5,000 fine, with subsequent offenses leading to sentences of up to 3 years in prison and/or up to $25,000 fine.
- Prescription fraud and forgery: Forging, altering, or falsifying prescriptions is considered a felony offense and can result in up to 7 years in prison and significant fines.
- Doctor shopping: Obtaining controlled substances from multiple doctors without disclosure is a felony charge with penalties that can include up to 5 years imprisonment and a maximum $15,000 fine.
Actual sentences often vary based on circumstances. Drug treatment court may be available as an alternative to incarceration for eligible cases. Having a valid prescription is an absolute defense to possession charges. Early legal representation is crucial for best possible outcomes.
Defenses Your Luzerne County Prescription Drugs Lawyer May Use
A Luzerne County prescription drugs lawyer can employ numerous defenses including challenging the legality of searches and seizures, proving valid prescription ownership, disputing chain of custody for evidence, demonstrating lack of knowledge or possession, and addressing technical issues with laboratory testing or drug classification.
Additionally, your attorney may pursue treatment-based alternatives and rehabilitation programs, especially for first-time offenders or those struggling with addiction, potentially leading to reduced charges or entry into Pennsylvania's drug court program rather than traditional criminal prosecution.
Call a Luzerne County Prescription Drug Charges Lawyer if You’ve Been Arrested
If you're facing prescription drug charges in Luzerne County or anywhere in Northeastern Pennsylvania, don't let these serious allegations threaten your future and freedom. We bring extensive experience in defending prescription drug cases and understand both the legal complexities and personal challenges our clients face.
At Muckler Law, we offer consultations to review your case, explain your rights, and outline potential defense strategies tailored to your situation. With our deep knowledge of Pennsylvania drug laws and local court systems, we work tirelessly to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
Don't wait to get the strong legal representation you need. Contact Muckler Law today to schedule your confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.
