State and federal laws very clearly prohibit the possession and consumption of certain drugs. An individual caught with heroin or methamphetamine likely knows that the state could bring charges against them simply for having those substances in their possession.
Fewer people understand that prescription drugs can also lead to serious criminal charges. There are numerous ways for people to violate prescription drug statutes. Sometimes, people drive while under the influence of medication. Other times, the state may accuse them of illegally possessing or intentionally abusing prescribed medications. Someone accused of prescription drug crimes may have several options for fighting back against the charges they’re facing.
The state’s case determines the best strategy
Someone accused of a prescription drug offense could face a variety of different charges. In some cases, the allegations may relate to impaired driving. Other times, possessing a drug without the valid prescription of a physician could be the crime that leads to someone’s prosecution.
Even giving away unused medication to others might lead to criminal charges in some cases, especially if it was a medication strongly correlated with substance abuse. An individual hoping to fight back against charges related to prescription medication needs to understand the law that their actions allegedly violated and the evidence that the state has.
Prosecutors typically need to arraign someone for a specific crime. The right of discovery also means that defendants and their lawyers should have access to the state’s evidence before the matter goes to trial. Looking over the state’s case can give someone an idea of what defense strategies might work in their case.
In some circumstances, it is possible to prevent prosecutors from using certain types of evidence because the state broke the law when gathering said evidence. Other times, defendants may be able to raise questions about how their medication ended up in the hands of another person. Some people may even qualify to have their cases heard in drug court. Individuals accused of nonviolent offenses who can establish an issue with chemical dependence might qualify for drug court proceedings where they undergo treatment instead of facing a criminal trial.
Those hoping to successfully resolve prescription drug charges often require support during that process. Making the decision to fight back against criminal allegations can help someone minimize the impact that a pending charge could have on their future.