Prescription Painkillers, Anti-Anxiety Medications, Narcotics Can Lead To Drug Crime Charges in California
Codeine, Xanax, Valium, Vicodin, Percocet, Oxycontin, Aderall, Tramadol, Viagra, Ambien / Lunesta are some of the world's most commonly prescribed drugs but possessing them without a valid prescription or beyond the scope of the prescription is a grave crime in California. While drugs like Codeine, Vicodin, Percocet are used to relieve moderate to severe pain, Adderall, Tramadol may be used to treat narcolepsy. Ambien (zolpidem) is a sedative, also called a hypnotic. These prescription drugs may be used for purposes not listed in the medication guide and a breach of specific prescription guidelines can cause a chemical imbalance in the body leading to severe health hazards like severe psychological or physical dependence if abused. Some of the serious side effects of using analgesics or particular narcotic drugs could be lowered blood pressure and heart rate, hallucinations, kidney and/or liver damage, bleeding in the stomach, nausea and depression. Codeine for instance is used as a pain blocker as it relieves pain even though the original source of the pain remains.
Most people who abuse Valium began using the drug for legitimate medical purposes and habitually continue to use more and more which ultimately turns into an addiction. These drugs in California are known as "Controlled Substance" whose manufacture, possession and use are regulated by the government under the United States "Controlled Substances Act" as they have a high potential for abuse and have a currently accepted medical use within strict limitations. California Health & Safety Code 11350 HS deals with "Possession of a Controlled Substance". Similarly 11351 HS, 11352 HS, 11377, 11378 and 11379 HS and 11550 HS regulate other offenses related to California Health & Safety Code.
The penalties and consequences of being convicted of possessing illegally obtained prescription drugs can be very severe and may include charges such as narcotics possession, illegal possession of prescription drugs with intent to sell, drug trafficking, and other illicit drug offenses. California has drug courts, which provide access to treatment for substance-abusing offenders.
If you have been charged with a drug offense for possession of, deliver or sell prescription drugs which is held to be a 'Controlled Substance" under the California Health & Safety Code such as painkillers, anti-anxiety medications, hypnotics, muscle relaxers as well as erectile dysfunction medications, you will require an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer to protect your rights. The consequences of a drug conviction can be severe and can put your employment at peril. Scott D. Hughes is a highly competent defense attorney in Orange County, California practicing in State and Federal Courts known for building the strongest defense for his clients. Feel free to contact the Law Office of Scott D. Hughes for a free initial consultation.