Prescription Drugs: Serious Time for Serious Drugs

Heroin usage is on the rise nationally and Seattle is no exception. In 2015, the Seattle Times reported that heroin deaths had spiked by 58 percent. And while there are many reasons behind the explosion of heroin use in the United States, health officials, activists, and lawmakers alike agree on this one contributing factor”: the increase in prescription and usage of legal opioids, like Oxycontin.

Unfortunately, efforts to curb the use and abuse of opioids could lead to more arrests of individuals who living with addiction, but finding it harder to get what they need or the arrest and prosecution of innocent people, too.

That’s because, though they’re legal under certain circumstances, being caught with prescription drugs is every bit as serious as being caught with heroin, cocaine, and other controlled substances.

Increased Prescriptions, Increased Demand

Since the late 90s, opioid prescriptions and sales have quadrupled, with primary care doctors accounting for close to 50 percent of the prescriptions being written. This increase has lawmakers and public health officials extremely concerned, prompting them to look for solutions.

In March, the Centers for Disease Control recommended new, stricter guidelines for doctors who prescribe these drugs, specifically to curb prescription drug dependence. The guidelines will make it more difficult for those who are currently using opioids to get them prescribed, and would limit the instances in which prescription drugs are deemed the best course of medical care.

However, many individuals who are prescribed these drugs are involved in other drug sales. A website called StreetRX, launched in 2010, allows researchers to track the prices of prescription drugs. It reveals that the per-pill markup can be extremely high, which makes opioids an attractive property for individuals who already sell other illicit drugs.

So, while tightening guidelines and passing stricter laws about the sale of prescription drugs could help cut into the business of big dealers, they may also lead to limited access for innocent people or those who live with chronic pain.

Prescription Drugs in Washington State

Here in Washington, the possession and exchange of prescription drugs is extremely serious. Even just holding a prescription that doesn’t have your name on it is a felony. That’s because prescription drugs, when prescribed to someone other than the person in possession, is considered to be possession of a controlled substance. That is a Class C felony under Washington law and punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

If you’re believed to be delivering or distributing these drugs, you may be faced with mandatory prison time.

Of course, if you’re caught with drugs that weren’t prescribed to you, the manner in which the drugs are recovered, your intent, and other mitigating circumstances may all be taken into account. Which is why, if you’ve been arrested for possession or distribution of prescription drugs, it’s essential that you retain legal counsel immediately. Your defense attorney can examine every aspect of your case, from the search and seizure of your possessions, to possible drug diversion programs that can help you get clean.

No one should have to face a drug charge alone. If you’ve been charged with a crime related to prescription drugs, you need someone in your corner.

If You’ve Been Charged with a Drug Crime, Alternative Sentencing Might Be Right for You

The attorneys at Baker, Lewis Schwisow & Laws, PLLC, have decades of experience helping those who have been charged with drug crimes assess their options. We strive for the best possible outcome. To find out if you may be eligible for drug offender alternative sentencing, contact a Seattle drug crime defense lawyer today at 206.209.0608 or fill out our online contact form!