Georgia Methadone Attorney
Methadone is a medication commonly used to treat addiction to heroin and other opiates. In the State of Georgia, possessing methadone without a prescription is against the law, and may result in criminal charges as well as severe penalties, including incarceration. If you or a loved one has been accused of a Methadone-related crime, you should immediately speak to an experienced Georgia methadone attorney who can begin working on your defense.
On the street, methadone goes by several names including dollies, cookies, wafer, and methadose. Methadone is classified as a Schedule II drug because of its potential for addiction and medicinal qualities. This drug is effective when used properly to treat opiate addiction and pain; however, it is often subject to illegal use. This drug may be obtained illegally by buying it on the street or forging signatures.
Types of Methadone-Related Crimes and Penalties
There are several methadone-related crimes, including possession, possession with intent to distribute, and prescription fraud. If convicted of simple possession, the judge could sentence you to incarceration, fines, and attendance in a drug abuse course. Habitual offenders could face additional penalties.
Possession with intent to distribute is a much more serious crime and may be charged as a felony offense. The penalty for possession of methadone with intent to distribute could include a prison sentence, probation, and large fines. Distributing this drug by a commercial drug-free zone or school can lead to increased consequences.
Methadone is a prescription medication, which makes is susceptible to prescription fraud. Stealing a doctor’s prescription pad to write your own prescription, altering the quantity of a prescription, or calling in a fraudulent script to a pharmacy could result in criminal charges with severe penalties. Doctor shopping, or going to several doctors in order to get prescriptions, is also a crime in Georgia.
In addition to the penalties listed above, having a methadone-related conviction on your record could affect your future in many ways. Every time you apply for a job, school, or loan, your drug charge may come back to haunt you.
Hiring an experienced Georgia methadone attorney could increase your chances of avoiding the negative consequences that come with a drug charge. Speak to a lawyer at HTW&W today to learn more about your pending charges.
