New Jersey Prescription Drug Charge Defense Lawyers

Respected Criminal Defense Lawyers Fight Prescription Drug Charges for Clients Across New Jersey

Prescription drugs play a vital role in treating a number of medical conditions.  However, many of these drugs are highly addictive and dangerous.  If used outside of a doctor’s parameters, prescription drugs are illegal just like any other type of drug.  A strong legal defense is a necessity in any case alleging prescription drug charges in New Jersey.

At Team Law, our top-rated lawyers have earned a reputation for legal excellence with over 60 years’ experience successfully helping clients across New Jersey.  Most of our clients come to us during one of the most difficult times of their lives.  Facing criminal charges is frightening—your freedom, financial security, and even reputation are on the line.  We explore every option for fighting the charges against you to help you put your mistakes in the past.

Prescription drug use has been in the spotlight in recent years.  The opioid crisis has drawn national attention to the problems associated with the misuse of prescription drugs.  New Jersey courts take these cases seriously and you need a serious defense team on your side even if you have never before been involved in the criminal justice system.

To learn more about how Team Law can build a strong defense in your case, schedule a free and confidential consultation with our experienced prescription drug charge defense lawyers today.  We serve clients across New Jersey.

New Jersey Prescription Drug Charges: N.J.S.A. 2C: 35-10.5

Prescription drug offenses are just as serious as drug crimes involving stereotypically illegal drugs.  At Team Law, we handle charges involving all types of prescription drugs which include, for example,

• Adderall
• Oxycontin
• Percocet
• Hydrocodone
• Valium
• Xanax
• Ritalin
• Morphine

In some cases, prescription drugs are perceived as being even more dangerous and addictive than typically illegal drugs sold on the streets.  The punishment can be equally serious.  Under N.J.S.A. 2C: 35-10.5, you could be charged with any one of the following crimes depending upon the circumstances:

• A disorderly persons offense, if the charge is distribution of four or fewer doses of the drug without a prescription
• A fourth-degree crime, if the charge is distribution of four or fewer doses of the prescription drug for financial gain, or possession with intent to distribute four or fewer doses for financial gain
• A third-degree crime, if the charge is distribution, or possession with intent to distribute, between five and 100 doses of the prescription drug
• A second-degree crime, if the charge is distribution, or possession with intent to distribute, 100 or more doses of the prescription drug

The law does create a valid defense to certain possession and distribution charges when financial gain is not involved if you had a valid prescription for the drug and intended the drug to be used only for the recipient’s personal use and no more than six doses of the drug were involved.  Our lawyers can assert this defense by filing a motion with the courts, in which case it is possible that the judge will dismiss your case. 

Prescription drug charges do not always involve the mere possession or distribution of prescription drugs.  Obtaining prescription drugs through fraud or forgery is also a crime.  Prescription fraud and prescription forgery are each third-degree crimes—and, in some cases, those charges can be added to other charges in your case.

At Team Law, our lawyers work tirelessly to explore every possible option in your case.  Whether that involves negotiating to have your charges reduced, getting your charges dropped outright or even exploring avenues aimed at rehab, we make sure you have a full understanding of what might happen in your case.

Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyers Committed to Forming the Strongest Defense for Clients Facing Prescription Drug Charges

Generally, to convict on prescription drug charges, the prosecution must prove several basic elements in any case.  Those include:

• The drugs in question were prescription drugs
• You possessed the amount of the drug indicated in the statutory language
• You distributed the drugs or had the intent to distribute them for financial gain

The amount of drugs possessed can become extremely important in prescription drug charge cases.  The difference between distributing four pills (a disorderly persons offense) and five pills (a third-degree crime) can mean the difference between a possible six-month jail sentence and five years in prison.

Similarly, whether you intended to distribute the prescription drugs for profit is an issue that we can often challenge.  Intent to distribute even four pills for profit results in significantly more serious charges.

We conduct the full and complete investigation necessary to understand the entire picture—we never rest based upon only the evidence provided by the prosecution.  We listen to your story, interview witnesses and examine every piece of evidence to make sure you have the strongest, most aggressive defense possible. 

Schedule a Free Case Review to Learn How to Fight Your Prescription Drug Charges Today

A prescription drug charge can derail your life even if you have no prior criminal record.  If you are facing prescription drug charges of any kind, call or contact Team Law to discuss options for your defense today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Prescription Drug Charge Defense Strategies