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Prescription Drug Charges

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Prescription Drug Charges

Many prescription drugs are considered controlled substances in Ohio, but people do not face criminal charges for possessing such medications so long as they have been legally prescribed the drugs. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people who have obtained or attempted to obtain certain medications without lawful prescriptions.

In 2006, the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy launched the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System, a computer database that tracks the sales of all controlled substances and two noncontrolled ones in an effort to reduce instances of “doctor shopping”—the practice of visiting multiple physicians to obtain multiple prescriptions for otherwise illegal drugs. When an alleged offender is accused of illegally possessing or attempting to obtain a prescription drug, that person can face very serious criminal charges.

Lawyer for Prescription Drug Charges in Dayton, OH

Were you recently arrested in the Miami Valley area for any kind of alleged prescription drug crime? No matter how confident you are in your innocence, do not say anything to authorities without legal representation. Contact Joslyn Law Firm right now.

Brian Joslyn is an award-winning criminal defense attorney in Dayton who represents clients accused of all kinds of drug offenses in Piqua, Fairborn, Springfield, Beavercreek, Huber Heights, Dayton, Kettering, Troy, and many surrounding areas of Montgomery County. You can have our lawyer provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case as soon as you call (937) 356-3969 to take advantage of a free, confidential consultation.


Overview of Prescription Drug Charges in Ohio


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Common Types of Prescription Drugs in Montgomery County

Ohio divides controlled substances into five different schedules. In many cases, the severity of a controlled substance offense depends on which drug schedule a prescription medication has been classified under.

Some of the most common kinds of prescription drugs that are involved in alleged criminal offenses include, but are not limited to:

  • Alprazolam (Xanax);
  • Atorvastatin (Lipitor);
  • Codeine;
  • Diazepam (Valium);
  • Diphenoxylate (Lomotil);
  • Fentanyl (Duragesic);
  • Hydrocodone / Acetaminophen (Vicodin, Anexsia, Lortab, Lorcet, Norco, Zydone);
  • Hydromorphone (Dilaudid);
  • Hydromorphone (Dilaudid);
  • Lisinopril (Zestril, Prinivil);
  • Losartan (Cozaar);
  • Meperidine (Demerol);
  • Meperidine (Demerol);
  • Methadone;
  • Methadone;
  • Morphine (Kadian, Avinza, MS Contin);
  • Omeprazole (Prilosec, Losec);
  • Oxycodone (OxyContin, Percodan, Percocet);
  • Percocet (Oxycodone and Acetaminophen);
  • Propoxyphene (Darvon);
  • Propoxyphene / Acetaminophen (Darvocet); and
  • Synthroid (Levothyroxine).

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Dayton Prescription Drug Crime Penalties

The specific crime that an alleged offender is charged with will depend on the type of activity that person is accused of engaging in. Some of the most common criminal charges relating to alleged prescription drug offenses include, but are not limited to:

  • Forgery, Ohio Revised Code § 2913.31 — Depending on the document forged and the value of the property or services involved in the alleged offense, forgery may be a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000, a fifth-degree felony punishable by up to 12 months in prison and/or a fine of up to $2,500, a fourth-degree felony punishable by up to 18 months in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000, or a third-degree felony punishable by up to 60 months in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000;
  • Possession of Controlled Substances, Ohio Revised Code § 2925.11 — Depending on the drug schedule that a prescription controlled substance is classified under, an alleged offender could be charged with a minor misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $100, a fourth-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $250, a first-degree misdemeanor, a fifth-degree felony, a fourth-degree felony, a third-degree felony, a second-degree felony punishable by up to eight years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000, or a first-degree felony punishable by up to 11 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $20,000;
  • Deception to Obtain a Dangerous Drug, Ohio Revised Code § 2925.22 — Depending on the drug schedule that a prescription controlled substance is classified under, an alleged offender who, by deception, procures the administration of, a prescription for, or the dispensing of, a dangerous drug or possesses an uncompleted preprinted prescription blank used for writing a prescription for a dangerous drug can be charged with a fifth-degree felony, a fourth-degree felony, a third-degree felony, a second-degree felony, or a first-degree felony;
  • Illegal Processing of Drug Documents, Ohio Revised Code § 2925.23 — It is either a fifth-degree felony or a fourth-degree felony if an alleged offender knowingly makes a false statement in any prescription, order, report, or record required by Chapter 3719 or Chapter 4729 of the Ohio Revised Code, intentionally makes, utters, or sells, or knowingly possesses a false or forged prescription; uncompleted preprinted prescription blank used for writing a prescription; official written order; license for a terminal distributor of dangerous drugs; or registration certificate for a wholesale distributor of dangerous drugs; acquires by theft a prescription; an uncompleted preprinted prescription blank used for writing a prescription; an official written order; a blank official written order; a license or blank license for a terminal distributor of dangerous drugs; a registration certificate or blank registration certificate for a wholesale distributor of dangerous drugs; or knowingly makes or affixes any false or forged label to a package or receptacle containing any dangerous drugs; and/or
  • Illegal Dispensing of Drug Samples, Ohio Revised Code § 2925.36 — Depending on the drug schedule that a prescription controlled substance is classified under, an alleged offender who knowingly furnishes another person a sample drug can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $750, a first-degree misdemeanor, a fifth-degree felony, or a fourth-degree felony.

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Ohio Resources for Prescription Drug Charges

Montgomery County Drug-Free Coalition — The Montgomery County Drug-Free Coalition works with members of the local community, including law enforcement personnel, political leaders, health care workers, alcohol and drug treatment providers, the faith-based community, and local business people. On this website, you can learn more some of the common signs and symptoms of drug addiction and find links to many other organizations. You can also download a parent’s drug guide and community resource guide.

Montgomery County Drug-Free Coalition
345 W. 2nd St.
Dayton, OH 45422
(937) 985-2420

Project C.U.R.E., Inc. — Project C.U.R.E. is a nonprofit drug rehabilitation program licensed and certified by the Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Services (OMHAS) that provides professional rehabilitative and support services to people with substance abuse problems in Montgomery County. Visit this website to learn more about Project C.U.R.E.’s treatment programs. You can also find information about the mission, vision, and code of ethics for Project C.U.R.E.

Project C.U.R.E., Inc.
1800 N. James H. McGee Blvd.
Dayton, OH 45417
(937) 262-3500

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Joslyn Law Firm | Dayton Prescription Drug Charges Defense Attorney

If you were arrested for an alleged prescription drug offense anywhere in Montgomery County, it is in your best interest to exercise your right to remain silent until you have legal counsel. Joslyn Law Firm aggressively defends individuals all over Clark County, Greene County, Miami County, and Montgomery County.

Dayton criminal defense lawyer Brian Joslyn can fight to possibly get your criminal charges reduced or dismissed. Call (937) 356-3969 or complete an online contact form to have our attorney review your case and help you understand all of your legal options during a free initial consultation.


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  • Brian Joslyn was named Best Lawyer in 2019 by Birdeye.
  • Columbus CEO magazine has yearly selections for the best attorneys in Columbus Ohio. Brian Joslyn has been identified as one of the most highly skilled attorneys across central Ohio.
  • Brian Joslyn has earned recognition for community leadership by Lawyer LegionLawyer Legion
  • Preeminent Attorney Award. Peer rated for highest level of professional exellence.
  • The Better Business Bureau (BBB), founded in 1912, is a private, nonprofit organization whose self-described mission is to focus on advancing marketplace trust.

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