Prescription Drug Crimes
Charged With Possession, Distribution, or Prescription Drug DWI?
If you’re facing prescription drug crime charges in Minnesota, your future is at stake. A conviction can lead to severe penalties, including jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record that can harm your reputation and dismantle your career.
Whether you’re accused of prescription drug DWI, illegal possession, distribution, or prescription fraud, you need an experienced defense lawyer to protect your rights.
At Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys, we are top-rated lawyers for people who have been charged with prescription drug crimes in Minnesota. We have over 25 years of experience in criminal law, and we’ve successfully defended countless clients facing prescription drug DWI, possession and distribution charges, and charges for prescription drug fraud. Our firm has a proven track record of getting charges like yours reduced or dismissed, and we’ve secured favorable outcomes in even the toughest of cases.
We provide free initial consultations to all clients. To schedule an appointment, contact us Today.
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Understanding Prescription Drug Crime Charges in Minnesota
Drug crimes aren’t limited to street drugs. Even prescription medications can lead to criminal charges if they are obtained, possessed, distributed, or used improperly. Common prescription drug offenses in Minnesota include:
- Prescription Drug DWI: Driving while impaired by prescription medication – even if it’s your own legal medication.
- Illegal Possession: Having a prescription medication without a valid prescription.
- Prescription Fraud: Using fraudulent methods to obtain prescription drugs, including doctor shopping or forging prescriptions.
- Distribution or Trafficking: Selling or distributing prescription drugs without authorization.
Arrested for Prescription Drug DWI? We Can Help
If you were arrested for driving while impaired (DWI) by prescription drugs in Minnesota, you are facing serious legal consequences. Even though your medication may be legally prescribed, driving under the influence of any substance that impairs your ability to operate a vehicle is against the law. Prescription drug DWI charges can be complex because they often involve legal medications that cause your actions to become illegal when they affect your ability to drive safely.
How Prescription Drug DWI Charges Work in Minnesota
Minnesota law treats prescription drug DWI much like alcohol-related DWI. If law enforcement believes your driving is impaired due to prescription medication, you can be arrested, even if you took the drug as directed by your doctor. Common prescription drugs that can lead to DWI charges include:
- Opioid painkillers (Oxycodone, Hydrocodone)
- Anti-anxiety medications (Xanax, Valium)
- Sleep aids (Ambien, Lunesta)
- Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin)
During a traffic stop, an officer may request to conduct field sobriety tests if they suspect that you’re impaired. You do not have to take these tests. Politely decline. The officer will probably bring you in on suspicion of DWI and request a blood or urine test to determine whether prescription drugs are in your system once you get to the jail. Refusing these tests is illegal, but you have the right to speak with a lawyer before you deliver a sample. If the tests show the presence of impairing substances, you will most likely be charged with DWI.
A strong defense can make all the difference in your case. Our prescription drug crimes attorneys can:
- Challenge the accuracy and reliability of field sobriety tests and chemical tests.
- Argue that your medication was taken as prescribed and did not impair your ability to drive.
- Investigate whether your rights were violated during the traffic stop or arrest.
- Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options.
Don’t face prescription drug DWI charges alone. Our attorneys will protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Call (952) 913-1421 Now.
Arrested for Prescription Drug Possession or Distribution Charges in Minnesota?
Prosecutors aggressively pursue possession and distribution cases, and you have a lot at stake. Penalties vary based on the type and quantity of drugs involved, prior offenses, and whether minors were affected or there were aggravating circumstances like possession or distribution near a school. Without a strategic defense, you could face life-changing consequences that affect your home life, your career, and your freedom. Common prescription drug possession and distribution penalties in Minnesota include:
- Jail or Prison Time: Misdemeanor charges can lead to up to 90 days in jail, while felony convictions can result in years of imprisonment.
- Hefty Fines: Depending on the offense, you could face fines ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars.
- Probation: Courts may impose probation with strict conditions, including drug testing, counseling, and regular check-ins.
- Permanent Criminal Record: A conviction can stay on your record, affecting your ability to find employment, housing, or obtain professional licenses.
- Professional Consequences: Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other licensed professionals may face disciplinary actions or lose their licenses.
Are You Facing Prescription Drug Fraud Charges?
Prescription drug fraud in Minnesota occurs when someone uses deception or false information to obtain, possess, or control a prescription medication. This type of offense is considered a Controlled Substance Crime in the Fifth Degree under Minnesota law. Individuals can face serious criminal charges if they engage in fraudulent activities to acquire prescription drugs.
Common Methods of Prescription Drug Fraud
Prescription drug fraud can take many forms. Some of the most frequently alleged schemes include:
- Altering Prescriptions: Changing the dosage, quantity, or type of medication on a legitimate prescription to obtain more drugs.
- Doctor Shopping: Visiting multiple doctors or clinics to secure multiple prescriptions for the same medication without the providers knowing about the other prescriptions.
- Using Stolen Prescription Pads: Obtaining blank prescription pads from legitimate doctors’ offices and using them to write fake prescriptions.
- Forging Prescriptions: Creating entirely fake prescriptions or printing counterfeit versions.
- False Representation: Assuming the identity of a doctor, pharmacist, or other authorized healthcare provider to access controlled substances.
- Providing False Information: Using a fake name, giving false credentials, or misrepresenting one’s identity to acquire prescription drugs.
If you are facing charges for prescription drug fraud, it is critical to work with our experienced drug crimes lawyers. We’ll protect your rights and help you build a strong defense.
Why Does the Type of Prescription Drug Matter?
In Minnesota, controlled substances are categorized into five schedules based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and safety profile. Drugs in Schedule I are considered the most dangerous due to their high potential for abuse and lack of accepted medical use. In contrast, drugs in Schedule V are viewed as having a lower risk of misuse.
The type of drug you are accused of illegally possessing, distributing, or fraudulently obtaining will influence the severity of your charges. For example, getting caught with a Schedule II drug like Adderall without a valid prescription is generally treated more harshly than possessing a Schedule IV drug like Xanax. Prosecutors will consider the drug’s classification, quantity, and context when building their case against you.
Schedule I Drugs in Minnesota
Schedule I drugs are considered the most dangerous because they have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States. In Minnesota, possession, sale, or distribution of Schedule I substances is treated as a severe offense. Common examples of Schedule I drugs include:
- Heroin
- LSD (Lysergic acid diethylamide)
- Ecstasy (MDMA)
- Psilocybin mushrooms
If you are charged with a crime involving a Schedule I drug, you could face significant penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. We can help you challenge the evidence against you and work to minimize the consequences.
Schedule II Drugs in Minnesota
Schedule II drugs are also considered highly dangerous, but they have some accepted medical uses under strict regulations. These drugs have a high potential for abuse, which can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence. Examples of Schedule II drugs in Minnesota include:
- Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percocet)
- Fentanyl
- Methamphetamine
- Adderall and Ritalin (ADHD medications)
Crimes involving Schedule II drugs, such as illegal possession, distribution, or prescription fraud, carry severe penalties. Your defense may depend on challenging how the drugs were obtained, questioning the legality of the search and seizure, or proving a valid prescription.
Schedule III Drugs in Minnesota
Schedule III drugs have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. They are legally available for medical use, but they can be misused. In Minnesota, common Schedule III drugs include:
- Ketamine
- Anabolic steroids
- Codeine products with less than 90 milligrams per dosage unit
- Testosterone
If you are accused of a crime involving Schedule III drugs, the penalties can still be severe, but a skilled defense lawyer can help you pursue alternatives like drug court or a reduced sentence.
Schedule IV Drugs in Minnesota
Schedule IV drugs have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule III substances but can still lead to misuse and addiction. These drugs are widely prescribed for medical purposes, making prescription fraud and illegal possession common charges. Examples of Schedule IV drugs in Minnesota include:
Xanax (alprazolam)
Valium (diazepam)
Ativan (lorazepam)
Tramadol
If you are arrested and charged with a crime involving a Schedule IV drug, a Minnesota prescription drug crimes lawyer can help you explore options such as challenging the validity of the prescription or negotiating for reduced charges.
Schedule V Drugs in Minnesota
Schedule V drugs are considered the least dangerous controlled substances because they have a low potential for abuse compared to other schedules. These drugs are typically used for medical purposes, often as cough suppressants or anti-diarrheal medications. Common Schedule V drugs in Minnesota include:
- Cough syrups with less than 200 milligrams of codeine per 100 milliliters (like Robitussin AC)
- Lomotil (diphenoxylate/atropine)
- Lyrica (pregabalin)
Although Schedule V drug offenses are generally less severe, they can still result in criminal charges and penalties. An experienced lawyer can help you build a strong defense by examining the facts of your case and exploring options for a favorable outcome.
Understanding the specific drug involved in your case is critical for developing a strong defense. Our prescription drug crimes lawyers can challenge the prosecution’s evidence, question the legality of the search and seizure, and negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options.
Defense Strategies for Prescription Drug Charges
When you hire Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys, you’re getting a former prosecutor and members of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice on your side, and we won’t back down. We build customized defense strategies based on the specifics of your case. Our approach includes:
- Thorough Case Investigation: We examine police reports, witness statements, and evidence collection procedures for errors and rights violations.
- Challenging Evidence: We question the legality of searches, seizures, and any tests used to identify controlled substances.
- Exposing Weaknesses in the Prosecution’s Case: We identify inconsistencies in witness testimony and challenge the credibility of informants.
- Negotiating Reduced Charges or Dismissal: We fight to have charges reduced or dropped when the evidence is weak.
Contact Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys for a Free Consultation
If you’re facing prescription drug crime charges in Minnesota, don’t leave your future to chance. Contact Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free, confidential consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and start building your defense strategy immediately.
