Ohio is following the trend across America -- prescription drug abuse. Many people are unwittingly addicted to pharmaceuticals. Their addiction quickly escalates into a dependence. Once addiction takes root, the person either recognizes the warning signs and gets help or gets in trouble for trying to obtain prescription drugs in violation of Ohio laws.

The accessibility to these drugs is simply easy - right in the medicine cabinets of our homes.  The pharmaceutical industry is booming and honest doctors can be turned into unwitting licensed drug dealers.  Once the prescriptions reach our homes, kids learn about them and start trading, buying, and selling prescription drugs at school. 

If the abuse turns into a habit or addiction, people will tell their doctors whatever needs to be said in order to obtain a prescription.  We have seen clients go do different doctors to get pain pills and then to various pharmacies to have the prescriptions filled.  Also, it is not uncommon today for people to make their own prescription pad and forge signatures. 

Ohio Revised Code 2925.22 (R.C. 2925.22) criminalizes procuring the administration of, a prescription for, or the dispensing of a dangerous drug (namely prescribed drugs of abuse).  Also, possessing an uncompleted preprinted prescription blank used for writing a prescription is a felony.

If the drug involved is a Schedule I or II drug, it is a 4th degree felony under Ohio law which carries a prison sentence of not less than 6 months nor more than 18 months and a fine up to $5,000.

If the drug involved is a Schedule II, IV, or V or is marijuana, it is a 5th degree felony under Ohio law which carries a prison sentence of not less than 6 months nor more than 12 months and a fine up to $2,500.

In our practice, we have successfully negotiated many of our client's case into Intervention in Lieu of Conviction, misdemeanors, or fully suspended prison sentences.

To inquire about possible legal representation for you or someone you know, you may call 614.481.4480 or e-mail our Managing Partner, Brad Koffel, at brad.koffel@kjlaws.com.