Prescription Drug Arrests On The Rise In Texas

Iis a common misconception, especially among teenagers, that prescription drugs are safer and “less illegal” than other drugs like cocaine and ecstasy. The truth is that prescription drugs are just as, and in some cases, more dangerous and just as illegal as the substances mentioned. A recent Foundation for a Drug-Free World study showed that 50% of teenagers believed that prescription drugs are “much safer” than street drugs. If you have been arrested for possession of prescription drugs, please contact a lawyer immediately.

Recently in Lewisville, Texas, a teenager dealing Xanax shot and killed two 17-year-olds after he claimed a drug deal went south, alleging that his buyers were going to rob him. Police are aware of the rising problem with prescription drug abuse not only in Texas, but nationwide.

Painkillers, depressants and stimulants are the three most abused pharmaceuticals. Drugs like Xanax, Zoloft, Adderall, Viagra, Ritalin and Vyvanse are all illegal substances if the person in possession of the drug was not prescribed by a doctor. Contrary to popular belief, just because you found these drugs in a medicine cabinet does not make them any less deadly or illegal.

There are four groups of narcotics in Texas law. Drugs like cocaine and heroin fall into the first tier, while amphetamines like ecstasy and Molly fall into the second tier. The third tier is where prescription drugs fall. While they do not carry the stiff penalties that marijuana, cocaine and heroin possession, possession of prescription drugs still carries heavy fines and possible jail time. A person in possession of even a small amount of unprescribed prescription meds can face fines up to $4,000 and up to one year in jail.

There is also a fourth tier of narcotics that are still considered dangerous and carry significant penalties like a fine of up to $4,000 and jail time up to a year. These drugs include mostly homemade narcotics that include codeine or opium.

If you are in possession of painkillers like morphine, Oxycodone, and opiates, you can face severe penalties. These drugs are highly dangerous and addictive. If you are found in possession of these drugs, you may face fines up to $10,000 and jail time up to 180 days.

Arrests for possession of prescription meds are on the rise nationwide, especially amongst young people. If you find yourself under arrest for such charges, you need an aggressive defense attorney on your side. There are options available. An experienced criminal lawyer can assist you through the process, getting charges lessened and in some cases, dropped.

If you have been arrested for any of the above charges, please contact the Wheeler Law Office immediately at (940) 465-3178 or visit our website. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our legal team is dedicated to aggressively defending our clients and achieving the best possible outcome. Being charged with drug possession can be a life-altering event. You need a lawyer that will relentlessly defend you to ensure that you are given the proper representation. We offer free consultation, flat fees, and payment plans to ensure this already difficult process does not get any more difficult.