When you fall sick or suffer an injury, a doctor may prescribe medications, such as painkillers and opiates. While you may need them for a particular purpose, others may have other needs for them, some of which may be illegal. Prescription drugs can lead to criminal charges. Even if you have a legitimate prescription, if controlled dangerous substances (CDS) are incorrectly or illegally distributed, you can still face criminal penalties. Please continue reading to learn when prescription drugs can lead to criminal charges and why connecting with a determined Bergen County Drug Possession Defense Attorney is in your best interest.
How Can Prescription Drugs Lead to Criminal Charges in New Jersey?
One way that prescription drugs can lead to criminal charges is for operating a vehicle under the influence. It’s essential to read the instructions and warning labels when prescribed medications. Depending on the drug, the directions may indicate that you should not operate any heavy machinery for a certain period after taking the medication. Heavy machinery includes a car. In New Jersey, you can face criminal charges for operating a vehicle under the influence of any substances that can impair your driving capabilities. When prescribed medication, it’s your legal responsibility to refrain from getting behind the wheel when you may be feeling the effects of prescription medication. Therefore, it’s possible to face criminal charges for driving while impaired as a result of taking a controlled substance.
Like any other controlled substance, possession with the intent to share or deliver is a severe criminal offense in the Garden State. You don’t have to sell your prescription to face criminal charges. Even if you don’t actively share your prescription with someone else, you can be subject to criminal liability if you were negligent in securing your medications. In New Jersey, it’s unlawful to knowingly or purposely obtain or possess controlled dangerous substances (CDS) unless the substance was obtained directly or under a valid prescription or order form from a practitioner while acting during their professional practice. Therefore, you can face criminal penalties if you illegally obtain prescription drugs through misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, or deception. Possession of prescription drugs is a third-degree offense punishable by steep monetary fines and up to 5 years in jail.
If you are facing any criminal charges about the use or possession of prescription drugs, you should take them seriously, as your future is at stake. At The Law Office of Carl Spector, we are prepared to build a vigorous legal defense and fight to obtain the best possible outcome for your case. Please don’t hesitate to contact our legal team today to learn more about how we can assist you.
