Prescription Drug Crime Lawyers in New Jersey
NJ Prescription Drug Possession Attorneys Can Help You Fight Opioid Charges
The law firm of Bramnick, Rodriguez, Grabas, Arnold & Mangan, LLC routinely handles drug-related matters in Westfield and throughout New Jersey. Our criminal defense attorneys have many years of experience representing clients charged with drug-related offenses. Casey Woodruff is a former Union County Prosecutor and has argued before the New Jersey Supreme Court. Gary Grabas is a former Prosecutor from Middlesex and Morris Counties. Jon M. Bramnick is a Certified Civil Trial Lawyer with over 30 years of experience.
Prescription drug abuse has become a serious issue in New Jersey and across the country. Addiction to prescription drugs such as OxyContin, Vicodin or Percocet can have serious health consequences and can also lead to violations of New Jersey law.
Under N.J.S.A. § 2C:35-10.5, unless approved by a doctor, it is unlawful to distribute prescription medications. Therefore, if you were to provide a friend in Westfield, New Jersey with your prescribed Oxycontin, Vicodin or Percocet pills, you may be in violation of the law. A conviction for unlawfully distributing prescription drugs in New Jersey can have severe consequences. The table below outlines the penalties for the illegal distribution of prescription drugs in New Jersey.
Distribution of Prescription Drug Penalties in NJ
- Dosage Units
- Offense
- Imprisonment
Distributes 4 or fewer
- Disorderly Persons
- Maximum 6 months
Distributes 4 or fewer for pecuniary gain
- 4th Degree
- Maximum 18 months
Distributes 5 to 99
Distributes 100 or more
Additionally, mere possession of prescription medication in New Jersey without the appropriate prescription is illegal. For example, if you are in possession of prescription drugs that you received from a family member (unless that family member is a doctor), you may be in violation of New Jersey law. A conviction for the unlawful possession of prescription drugs could possibly result in heavy fines and imprisonment.
In New Jersey, a person found to be under the influence of a prescription drug for which he has no prescription is also in violation of the law. Therefore, if you were to, for example, consume a co-worker’s prescription pain medication and are later found to be under the influence of that drug, you may be guilty of violating New Jersey law.
It is similarly unlawful to forge prescriptions in order to obtain prescription medication. Under N.J.S.A. § 2C:35-10.5, obtaining prescription drugs by forgery or deception is a fourth degree offense, which may result in up to 18 months in prison. Therefore, if you alter a prescription to provide for more doses, you may be convicted of forging a prescription and face imprisonment.
Free Consultations Available – Prescription Drug Charge Attorney
If you or a loved one has been charged with a prescription drug-related offense, we may be able to help. Our criminal defense attorneys are prepared to handle all drug-related charges in Westfield, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, and throughout New Jersey. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
e. A person who knowingly possesses, actually or constructively:
(2) a prescription legend drug or stramonium preparation in an amount of five or more dosage units unless lawfully prescribed or administered by a licensed physician, veterinarian, dentist or other practitioner authorized by law to prescribe medication is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
a. A person who knowingly:
(3) distributes or possesses or has under his control with intent to distribute a prescription legend drug or stramonium preparation in an amount of at least five but fewer than 100 dosage units unless lawfully prescribed or administered by a licensed physician, veterinarian, dentist or other practitioner authorized by law to prescribe medication is guilty of a crime of the third degree. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to $200,000 may be imposed; or
