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1519 Spy Run Ave., Fort Wayne, Indiana 46805
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Dedicated Fort Wayne Attorney Defends Clients on Prescription Drug Offenses

Established lawyer represents individuals and healthcare professionals accused of possessing or dealing scheduled drugs

When you think of illegal drugs, you may think of heroin or cocaine, but controlled substances also include prescription drugs. Prescription drugs are bought and sold on a daily basis across Indiana and the country. Some patients sell or trade their own medications because they need the money to live or to support their own drug addiction. Indiana law provides strong penalties for those who illegally sell, deal, manufacture or prescribe controlled prescription drugs. The Law Offices of Ryan E. Lackey, in Fort Wayne, understands how an arrest can jeopardize your freedom, your family and your career. We’re here to defend you with determination.

Defense of all prescription drug crimes in Indiana

Narcotics — drugs that dull the senses to relieve pain — are the most widely abused prescription drugs. Opioids lead the list of narcotics that most often result in prescription drug charges. Prescription opioids include:

  • Morphine
  • Codeine
  • Opium
  • Vicodin
  • Percocet
  • Oxycodone
  • Fentanyl
  • Methadone

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 13 million Americans abuse opioids. Many of them obtain it without a legal prescription, which can result in their arrest. Prescription drug crimes include:

  • Unauthorized possession of a prescription drug for personal use
  • Possession of a prescription drug for sale
  • Sale of a prescription drug
  • Dealing a prescription drug
  • Providing a prescription drug to minors

Our attorneys fight prescription drug charges filed against those who illegally use, sell or prescribe narcotics.

Harsh penalties for prescription drug offenses

Drugs are classified into five schedules, based on their acceptable medical use and their potential for abuse or dependency. Schedule 1 drugs, which have no legal medicinal use, carry the highest potential for addiction or abuse; Schedule V drugs represent the least potential for abuse. A prescription is required for all Schedule II and Schedule III drugs and many Schedule IV drugs. If you do not have a valid license to prescribe or lack a valid prescription and you are convicted, you face stiff penalties.

If you are accused of acquiring a prescription drug by altering a prescription or by duplicating a medical practitioner’s prescription pad, you face a Level 6 felony, which is punishable by six months to up to 2 1/2 years in prison and a hefty fine — up to $10,000. A prior conviction elevates the charge to a Level 5 felony, which carries a minimum sentence of one year in prison.

Possession of a prescription drug without a valid prescription is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Penalties for distributing or dealing prescription drugs are governed by the schedule of drug they fall under and the volume of drug involved. The minimum penalty for dealing these drugs is six months in prison; for a large volume of drugs, the minimum is 10 years.

  • Schedule II prescription drugs, which have a high potential for abuse, include OxyContin, Dilaudid, Demerol, Dolophine, fentanyl, Adderall, and methadone.
  • Schedule III prescription drugs, which are less addictive, include Vicodin, Tylenol with codeine, and anabolic steroids.
  • Schedule IV prescription drugs are less dangerous and have a low potential for abuse. These include Xanax, Valium, Ambien, Ativan, and Darvocet.

Our attorneys will investigate your unique circumstances and develop a defense tailored to the facts of your case that delivers the best possible outcome.

Contact a tenacious Fort Wayne defense attorney for prescription drug charges

If you face prescription drug charges, contact an attorney who understands the complexities of prescription drug laws in Indiana. Call The Law Offices of Ryan E. Lackey at 260-209-1666 or contact our Fort Wayne office online to schedule a free consultation.