Prescription Drug Misuse Legal Consequences

Nonmedical Use of

PrescriptionMedications

Specific penalties will vary from state to state…see your state’s statutes for details.

In today’s economy finding a job and/or getting accepted into a college is more competitive

than previous years.

Do you really want to limit your choices?

Understanding DEA prescription drug classification

is necessaryto understanding

the law.

How are prescription

drugs classified?

In the United States the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), categorizes prescription drugs into various levels of controlled substances.

The term ''controlled substance'' means a drug or other substance, or immediate precursor included in schedule I, II, III, IV, or V.

DEA Definitions

Some common abused drugs:

Schedule I: High abuse potential; no current acceptable medical treatment in the U.S.

Ecstasy, heroin, marijuana, LSD

Schedule II: High abuse potential & high potential for psychological and/or physical dependence (addiction).Ritalin; Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine, codeine,

Amytal, oxycodone, OxyContin, Percocet, Roxicet, hydrocodone, cocaine, morphine

DEA drug scheduling

Schedule III: less potential for abuse or addiction than Schedule I or II drugs and have a useful medical purpose. Anabolic steroids, buprenorphine, Vicodin, Lortab

Schedule IV: a medically useful category of drugs that have less potential for abuse or addiction than those of Schedules I, II, and III. Xanax, Klonopin, Darvon, Valuim, Ambien

Abusing some of these medicines often leads to abuse of stronger more additive drugs.

What are some of the consequences if you

are convicted of illegally using a

controlled substance?

Being convicted of a crime often involves jail time, fines, and possibly a lifelong criminal record.

Jail: Felony terms often range from 5-30 years.

Fine: Often range from $5,000 to $15,000 when convicted of a felony.

Even if you have your conviction record “expunged” or erased there is still evidence that you had a record.

The court judge has the final decision as to the exact length of prison time and other penalties.

Other Factors may Increase the Penalties:

Proximately of:•child care facility•public or private school•municipal park•physical place of worship

Habitual offenders: If you have a previous arrest and/or conviction

Specific penalties will vary from state to state…see your state’s statutes for details.

1. It is O.K. to share prescription medications with your friends.

FALSE

1. It is illegal to share

prescription medications.

It is unlawful: To possess a prescription which has not been completed and signed by the practitioner whose name appears printed thereon.

Minimum charge Felony

2. It is O.K. to posses prescription medicine that do not have your name prescribed on the bottle.

FALSE

2. It is illegal to posses Rx drugs not prescribed specifically for your use.

If you are with friends and it can’t be proven who the pills belong to you may be charged with illegal possession of prescription drugs.

Minimum charge Felony

3. If you are a minor when you reach 18 your “record” will automatically be wiped clean.

FALSE

4. Minor’s records are not automatically wiped clean at 18.

The records are not automatically sealed, but there are numerous confidentiality restrictions relating to juvenile cases.  In general, there is a one-time expungement on cases, if the charge qualifies.  There is an additional expungement procedure for diversion on juvenile cases.   The final decision is made by the judge overseeing your case.

4. If you are convicted with a crime as long as it is a first offense your records will be wiped clean.

FALSE

4. Even if you get your legal records expunged (erased) there is still evidence that you had a record.

Your future employer may ask you specific details of what was expunged or just seeing that something was there may be enough for someone not want to hire you. This may be true for college applications, government jobs, and even volunteer positions.

Being convicted of a felony may limit your

job opportunities, career choices, college options and even where you live.

• Many government (state & federal) positions limit job opportunities for felons.

• Jobs that require security clearances may not employee felons.

• Some options may be gone forever… doctor, lawyer, police officers, firemen, military, teachers and coaches…

•Most employers ask about criminal convictions and some even inquire about arrest records.

•In many states if you are driving while impaired you could be charged with a DUI even if it is your prescription.

•Some apartment complexes will not accept people convicted of a felony or with a DUI on their record.

•Many volunteer positions such as scouting, Little League and other community organizations… will may not accept felons.

•The potential for addiction may lead to increase in drug use…which may lead to burglary, violence or other crimes in pursuit of drugs.

The CHOICESYou Make

Today

WillAffect Your

FUTUREForever.

If you suspect someone is abusing and/or addicted to drugs be proactive and persistent… addicts tend to lie and be dishonest as a means of continuing their habit, and as a defense mechanism. They are often even lying to themselves that they have a problem. Seek Professional and Medical advice. Don’t regret ignoring the problem.

For additional information on prescription drug abuse, addiction, support groups, and recovery please visit

www.StopRxDrugAbuse.org