Criminal Charges for Possession of Prescription Drugs in Wisconsin

 Posted on March 08, 2019 in Drug Crimes

When many people think of drug possession charges, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin come to mind. However, illegal drugs are not the only ones illegal to possess. The demand for prescription drugs is high as well. Drugs like Vicodin, OxyContin, Adderall, Xanax, Valium, Ambien, and Zoloft are often sold at high prices to those without a prescription.

In the case of OxyContin, many people have become addicted to this opioid drug. Once someone who is addicted can no longer find a source for the prescription opioid or can no longer afford it, they often turn to heroin, which produces similar effects in the body. 

This addiction problem has become so widespread in Wisconsin that deaths from opioids have outnumbered deaths from car accidents. As a result of this epidemic, Wisconsin police have been cracking down on all types of prescription drug possession.

Penalties for Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs

The charges and penalties faced for possession of prescription drugs are determined by the drug itself:

• Unlawful possession of amphetamines, such as Adderall: First offense: maximum $5,000 fine and/or one year in county jail; Subsequent offenses: Class I felony; maximum $10,000 fine and/or 3 ½ years in prison.
• Unlawful possession of Schedule I or Schedule II narcotics, such as prescription opioids: Class I felony; maximum $10,000 fine and/or 3 ½ years in prison.
• Unlawful possession of scheduled non-narcotics, such as Xanax: Class C misdemeanor; maximum $500 fine and/or 30 days imprisonment.

In addition to fines, one may also be required to pay assessments, court costs, and surcharges. 

Call a Milwaukee, WI Drug Possession Lawyer Today

If you have been charged with illegal possession of prescription drugs, you have a lot at stake. Just because the drug can be legally possessed with a prescription does not mean you will receive leniency by the court. In this critical time, you need skilled legal counsel that can negotiate on your behalf with prosecutors so you can avoid jail time. At Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP our Milwaukee, WI prescription drug possession attorneys will aggressively pursue the best possible outcome in your case. Call us at 414-271-1440 today.

Source:

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/450/11/7/h

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/961/IV/41/5