Increased prescription drug abuse has resulted in enormous pressure on law enforcement to make arrests and get convictions. In numerous cases, however, people who do not consider themselves criminals or drug addicts are overcharged with a prescription drug crime simply for possessing too many prescription pills.

At the Law Offices of White & Matern, PLLC we represent individuals charged with prescription drug possession, distribution, trafficking, and fraud. Whether you are facing state or federal drug crime charges, we have the experience to defend you.

State and Federal Prescription Drug Crime Defense

Criminal possession of a controlled substance may result in state and/or federal charges. Prescription drug charges can include possession, distribution, trafficking, fraud and forgery. The penalties for conviction of a federal charge depend on the details of the case, but are typically severe and may include a minimum five-year prison sentence, fines and probation.

Some of the most common prescription drugs that are used recreationally or abused include OxyContin, Percocet, oxycodone, hydrocodone, Vicodin, Fentanyl, medical marijuana, Ritalin, Xanax and Valium. People may be arrested for having too many pills in their possession, giving a pill to a friend or forging prescriptions. Doctors and other medical professionals may be charged with fraud for writing illegal prescriptions, distributing drugs without prescriptions or prescribing drugs online.

In prescription drug crime cases, investigation of the arrest and the search and seizure is critical. We will determine whether the police had probable cause to search you and whether police procedure violated your constitutional rights. If you were given drug tests, we will examine them and may contest the results.

Contact a Salt Lake City Criminal Defense Attorney

Please call 801-266-4114 to schedule a free consultation with a lawyer. The firm has offices in Salt Lake City, Murray, and St. George.