Law Offices of Ryan E. Gilbert, LLC Law Offices of Ryan E. Gilbert, LLC
866-760-6430

East Brunswick Prescription Drug Crime Attorney

Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving All of New Jersey

Abusing a prescription drug – or taking the medication in any way, form, or dosage that was not explicitly described by the prescribing physician – is not only potentially hazardous to your health, but it is also considered a criminal violation in New Jersey State law. For many people who have been accused of prescription drug crimes, the allegations stem from misunderstandings or exaggerations.

If you have been arrested, you need to contact an East Brunswick drug crime lawyer from the Law Offices of Ryan E. Gilbert, LLC today at (866) 760-6430. ​​​​​​

Prescription Drug Crime Statistics in America

Pain killers, sedatives, or stimulants are some of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the country, oftentimes given to young teenagers. As more and more people are handed prescription drugs, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) has reported a gradual decline in the use of hard illegal substances. Another study conducted by the same organization concluded that upwards of 70% of all prescription drug abusers managed to get the substances from a friend or relative.

With the problem seemingly growing, it is understandable why law enforcement would want to do all they can to deter people from partaking in the act. That does not mean, however, that their crackdown methods are always going to be accurate, nor should the accused always be considered guilty outright.

Doctor Shopping and Prescription Drug Fraud

Misusing a prescription drug is not the only way to commit a drug crime of this nature. Illegally acquiring or selling a prescription drug is also strictly unlawful. In some scenarios, this is done by “doctor shopping,” or going to multiple pharmacies or physicians to get several orders of drugs off one prescription.

Some of the more commonly abused prescription drugs include:

  • Vicodin
  • Valium
  • Soma
  • Percocet
  • Xanax
  • Adderall
  • Lunesta
  • Zoloft
  • Ritalin
  • Ambien
  • Morphine
  • OxyContin

Harsh Penalties for Prescription Drug Crime Convictions

Like most other drug crimes, penalties for prescription drug violations will vary depending on the substance and quantity in question. Distributing any amount of a strictly prescription-only drug without a proper license is considered an offense, however; this means you could be arrested for handing one Vicodin pill to a friend who requested it for their joint pain. Furthermore, most prescription drug crimes are considered a felony, meaning that your criminal record will be marked permanently if you do not take the initiative and start defending yourself with a professional's legal advocacy.

Some penalties associated with prescription drug crime convictions are:

  • Years in jail (with minimum sentencing)
  • Steep fines
  • Lengthy probation
  • Loss of custody rights

Your Future Depends On the Strength of Your Defense

My name is Ryan E. Gilbert, and I am an East Brunswick criminal defense lawyer. When people come to me after being accused of serious drug crimes, I know I have to rise to the challenge and protect their rights. In the court of law, prescription drug violations have become so commonplace, judges and juries may want to glance right over them and assume a conviction is necessary. By doing all I can to show that your charges are unfounded or inaccurate, I can hope to dismiss your charges entirely, if not dramatically reduce the sentencing. It all comes down to using my help to establish a valid and logical defense against your charges.

Let me know the details of your case through an online evaluation form or call (866) 760-6430.

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