Defending DC Prescription Drug Cases
People facing allegations of unlawful possession of a prescription drug may be eligible for more favorable treatment because of the increased understanding of prescription drug addiction and the increased awareness of the medical issues surrounding prescription drug addiction. A person facing charges of the unlawful possession of prescription drugs may be eligible for more favorable treatment through counseling and regular urine screenings that can place them in a more favorable position.
When someone is facing prescription drug charges, it is important that they consult with an experienced defense attorney. There is specific evidence that can come into play when a lawyer is defending DC prescription drug cases that could impact how they approach the case. If you are building a defense case with a knowledgeable prescription drug attorney, you should ensure that you have all the information and evidence so your lawyer can examine the case.
Evidence for Prescription Drug Cases
In prescription drug cases, evidence produced by prosecutors, in many circumstances, is the result of searches of a person’s body, their vehicle, or their home. When a prosecutor attempts to convict a person of the distribution or the intent to distribute prescription drugs, they must show that a person does not have the proper licensing to be able to distribute the prescription drugs. They also need to produce evidence that the person intended to distribute the substances.
Being in possession of a prescription drug alone is not evidence that a person intended to distribute that controlled substance. Prosecutors need to provide evidence such as receptacles like baggies or empty pill bottles used to distribute the prescription drugs, scales used to measure the prescription drugs or large amounts of cash that could be the proceeds of the distribution of prescription drugs. In these situations, prosecutors may use the surrounding types of evidence to secure convictions for possession with the intent to distribute prescription drugs.
Prescription Drug Defense Differs from Other Charges
One of the main issues with prescription drug offenses in DC compared to other drug offenses is that in some situations, it is perfectly legal to be in possession of prescription drugs. By definition, a prescription drug has a medical benefit that makes it lawful in some circumstances to be in possession of the drug. When a person has a valid prescription for Xanax or Percocet, for example, the possession of those drugs is completely legal as long as the prescription is valid and up-to-date. However, without those valid prescriptions, the prescription drug is treated the same as any another controlled substance that is inherently illegal such as cocaine or PCP.
Retain a DC Lawyer to Defend Your Prescription Drug Case
Drug laws are not only different on paper from state to state; they can also be treated by prosecutors and courts and law enforcement differently depending on the state or the area where they are being prosecuted. Washington, DC has certain options available to people who face prescription drug possession offenses that allow them to receive treatment and counseling in exchange for the dismissal of their charges. By having an attorney with prescription drug offense experience in DC, a person can better understand their options and take advantage of the more favorable possibilities to minimize their penalties and obtain a satisfactory result in their case.
DC rules and procedures are unique in that DC is not a state. It has laws that make it different from neighboring states such as Maryland or Virginia. A local DC defense attorney who understands the DC laws and procedures and understands the way these prosecutions work can help someone facing these charges understand what they face; discuss possible defenses to their charges, and create a defense defending DC prescription drug cases.