Oxycodone Possession, Fraud, Forgery & Intent to Distribute
Oxycodone is a prescription drug used to treat severe pain. It is typically administered in the form of a pill or tablet, and is a semi-synthetic opiate. It is produces a very pleasing high and is extremely addictive. Oxycodone is a popular prescription drug in the illegal market and this demand fosters all sorts of criminal offenses. Possession without a valid prescription is probably at the low end of this continuum with prescription forgery or fraud, prescription theft, and then possession with intent to distribute being the most serious. If you find yourself charged with any of these offenses, our attorneys possess the skill and knowledge you need to negotiate this difficult time. Our defense team includes 3 lawyers who each possess a minimum of 15 years experience and, in the case of two of them, years in practice on the other side prosecuting cases. A lawyer is available to provide you with the information you are seeking at 1-877-450-8301 and initial consultations are without charge.
Oxycodone Addiction
When addiction to Oxycodone sets in, individuals tend to make poor decisions to avoid the discomfort of withdrawal. They will often engage in doctor shopping and, when this fails, take to illegal means to obtain possession of Oxycodone. It is not uncommon for someone to steal prescription pads, blanks or tablets, and even forge prescriptions. The illegal distribution of Oxycodone on the streets is also another source of these pills. This medication is extremely potent and can even have worse side affects than heroin. In fact, one pill of Oxycodone can be the equivalent of 8 tablets of Percocet. If you have an addiction to Oxycodone, you are not alone and help is available to break this dependency.
New Jersey Law: Oxycodone Charges
Various laws come into play when you are talking about charges involving Oxycodone. N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10.5 sets forth the law governing possession without a valid prescription and generally provides that: possession of up to 4 pills or units is a Fourth Degree Crime; a person who possesses 5 to 99 tablets is subject to a Third Degree Crime; and possessing 100 or more pills is a Second Degree Crime. N.J.S.A. 2C:35-13 addresses the crime of obtaining Oxycodone through fraud. It directs that anyone who obtains a prescription drug like Oxycodone through fraud, misrepresentation or deception, is guilty of a Third Degree Crime. The prescription forgery statute, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-1, outlines those circumstances when an individual is exposed to a Third Degree offense by virtue of forging a prescription.
Penalties Applicable to Oxycodone
A Second Degree is the most serious Oxycodone charge and carries up to 10 years in jail and up to $300,000 in fines. A Third Degree involves up to 5 years in jail but also carries up to $200,000 in fines. A Fourth Degree exposes an individual to up to 18 months in jail.
If you were arrested for an Oxycodone related charge, it is extremely important to retain an attorney experienced in dealing with prescription drug offenses. Our lawyers have over 60 years of experience to put to use on your behalf. Reach one of our attorneys now at 1-877-450-8301.
