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Prescription drug mistakes that can lead to criminal charges

On Behalf of | Jan 27, 2025 | Drug Crimes

The intentional or unintentional misuse of prescription medication can unintentionally result in criminal charges. In Virginia, the state takes prescription drug offenses seriously, and even seemingly minor mistakes can inspire significant legal consequences. 

For example, one of the most common mistakes people make is sharing their prescription medications with others. You may think you’re helping a friend or family member by giving them a few of your own pills for their pain or anxiety, but this is illegal. Virginia law prohibits distributing prescription drugs to anyone other than the person for whom they were prescribed. Sharing medications can result in charges of drug distribution, even if no money changes hands.

Additional concerns that can lead to consequences 

Carrying prescription drugs without proof of a valid prescription can lead to charges of illegal possession. For example, if you borrow a family member’s prescription to treat a medical issue or forget to carry your medication in its original labeled container, law enforcement may assume the drugs were obtained illegally.

“Doctor shopping” refers to visiting multiple doctors to obtain additional prescriptions for the same medication without disclosing the other prescriptions. This practice is often used to acquire more of a controlled substance, such as opioids or benzodiazepines, than a doctor would normally prescribe. In Virginia, doctor shopping is considered a form of fraud and is punishable as a criminal offense.

Altering a prescription or creating a fake one is a serious offense in Virginia. Whether it involves changing the quantity of medication, forging a doctor’s signature, or using someone else’s prescription pad, this act constitutes prescription fraud. Convictions for forgery-related charges can result in severe penalties, including felony charges and prison time.

Finally, selling or trafficking prescription medications, even on a small scale, is treated as a serious drug crime. For example, selling a single pill of a controlled substance like Adderall or Xanax can lead to distribution charges, which carry harsh penalties under Virginia law.

Safeguarding your interests 

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s essential to:

  • Always carry your medications in their original prescription containers
  • Never share or sell your prescription drugs
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions precisely and avoid exceeding prescribed dosages
  • Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure about the effects of a medication, especially when driving or performing other tasks

If, despite your best efforts, you find yourself facing prescription drug charges in Virginia, it’s important to seek legal support immediately. Otherwise, even unintentional mistakes could alter your life negatively forever. 

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