Vernon Possession of Prescription Drugs Lawyers

Prescription Pills Charges Attorneys in Sussex and Warren County, New Jersey

Prescription Drugs Possession

In New Jersey, criminal charges for the possession of prescription legend drugs or prescription pills will depend on how many pills are possessed, regardless of the type of pill. So, whether or not the alleged prescription pills are, for example, Xanax, Adderall, Percocet, or Vicodin, the criminal charges will rest on how many pills were possessed. Under the New Jersey Criminal Code, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-2, “prescription legend drug” means any drug which under federal or state law requires dispensing by prescription or order of a licensed physician, veterinarian, or dentist and is required to bear the statement “Rx only” or similar wording indicating that such drug may be sold or dispensed only upon the prescription of a licensed medical practitioner and is not a controlled dangerous substance or stramonium preparation. A “stramonium preparation” means a substance prepared from any part of the stramonium plant in the form of a powder, pipe mixture, cigarette, or any other form with or without other ingredients. The bottom line is that if you need a prescription from any kind of doctor to get a drug, the possession of that drug is illegal without a prescription.

If you are facing prescription drug charges in Sussex County or Warren County, the drug crime defense attorneys at the Tormey Law Firm are ready to fight for you. Our lawyers have achieved a multitude of successful outcomes in courts in Vernon, Belvidere, Newton, Mansfield, and throughout Sussex and Warren County. In fact, our defense team includes former Municipal and Superior Court prosecutors and former members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the district of New Jersey. We utilize our experience on both sides of the criminal justice system to craft the most effective defenses for our clients. To discuss your prescription drug charges and begin building your best defense, contact our offices today at 973-755-1695. Our skilled drug crime defense lawyers are available 24/7 and we provide initial consultations free of charge.

Prescription Drug Possession Lawyers in Newton NJ

According to N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.5(e)(1) and (2), a person who possesses, actually or constructively a prescription legend drug or stramonium preparation in an amount of four or fewer dosages units unless lawfully prescribed or administered by a licensed physician, veterinarian, dentist or other practitioner authorized by law to prescribe medication is a disorderly person. The possession of five or more dosages units unless lawfully prescribed or administered is a crime of the fourth degree. In addition to a criminal charge for possession prescription pills, there is a separate charge for using prescription drugs without a prescription. In fact, according to N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.5(b), a person who uses any prescription legend drug for a purpose other than treatment of sickness or injury as lawfully prescribed or administered, is a disorderly person.

Whether the charges for possession prescription pills are a disorderly persons offense or a fourth degree crime: the penalties are as follows: for a disorderly persons offense, a $1,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail; and for a fourth degree crime, a $10,000 fine and up to 18 months in prison. Additionally, drug enforcement and demand reduction penalties under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-15 will also be imposed in the amount of $500 for a disorderly persons offense and $750 for a fourth degree crime. And regardless of the level of offense, according to N.J.S.A. 2C:35-16, the court shall also suspend the defendant’s driver’s license for six months to two years.

Contact North Warren Prescription Drug Defense Attorneys Today

Obviously, if you are charged with possession of prescription pills in Sussex County or Warren County, you have a lot to lose. Contact the experienced NJ prescription drug defense lawyers at the Tormey Law Firm to discuss the specific circumstances of your case and learn about some of the defense strategies that may be used to beat your charges.