Prescription Drug Crimes on Rise in North Carolina
There has been an increase of over 400 percent in hospital admissions for prescription drug abuse over the past ten years.
January 11, 2013
Prescription drug crimes on rise in North CarolinaFederal and state government officials have been concerned with the growing number of prescription drug crimes that are happening nationwide. The increase in the use of pain medication has left many users addicted to these controlled substances, and they are engaging in sometimes violent acts in order to have access to these pills.
New bills recently passed by Congress, such as the SAFE DOSES Act, have greatly increased the potential penalties that those convicted of federal drug crimes may be facing. These penalties will even apply to physicians or pharmacists that provide uncontrolled access to these drugs.
North Carolina is not immune to the prescription drug crimes problem. State Attorney Roy Cooper stated that there has been an increase of over 400 percent in hospital admissions for prescription drug abuse over the past ten years. Overdoses due to this abuse are the second-highest cause of death within the state, right behind motor vehicle accidents.
There is a two-pronged approach toward dealing with these crimes. The state is cracking down on the physicians or pharmacists that provide access to the drugs, as well as those individuals that may be in possession of controlled substances without a prescription.
Individual users of the drugs can face significant penalties if they are caught with even small quantities of certain drugs. In North Carolina, the laws that govern many painkillers carry strong sentences, much stronger than those that in place for street drugs such as cocaine or marijuana. An individual that has more than four grams of a controlled substance such as opium, heroin or opium based painkiller could be facing a mandatory prison sentence in excess of five years.
The penalties increase along with the amount of pills in possession. A single bottle of pills could be enough to bring a sentence of over 20 years. While these sentences may seem excessive, the legislature has not taken steps to reduce the penalties that may result if convicted.
Even a prescribed use of prescription drugs may result in criminal charges. Many people may take medication and dosage rates as instructed by a physician, and then get behind the wheel. If the medication impacts the ability to drive, that person could be facing charges of driving under the influence.
If you have been charged with a prescription or any other type of drug crime, speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney in your area to understand the options that you have available to you. You do have rights, and it is important to defend yourself during this process. Each conviction will carry stronger penalties. You may be tempted to plead guilty to put the matter behind you, but this may only make your situation much more difficult.
Article provided by Sherrill & Cameron PLLC
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