The problem of prescription drug trafficking is becoming an increasingly serious issue, both in the State of Oklahoma and nationally. Estimations show that daily, 2,500 U.S. youth ages 12 to 17 abuse a prescription pain reliever for the first time. More than 15
million people in the U.S. abuse prescription drugs, more than all those that use cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants, and heroin combined. Moreover, prescription drugs are responsible for 45% of overdose deaths, more than cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and amphetamines combined (39%). Clearly, it is an issue needing attention.
New Prescription Drug Laws:
In response to concerns about the proliferation of prescription drug sales, Oklahoma passed a law last May to fight against trafficking of these drugs. The new law amends Okla. Stat., tit. 63, Section 2-415 and was sponsored by Rep. Pat Ownbey with assistance from the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. The piece of legislation creates heftier penalties for the carrying of 400 grams of oxycodone, 1,000 grams of morphine, 3,750 grams of hydrocodone, and 500 grams of benzodiazepine.
These four drugs are some of the most common prescriptions in drug abuse. At the present time, carrying these drugs illegally is not trafficking. However, when the new law goes into effect on November 1st, trafficking will exist in the possible charges for someone caught with them. Violators will receive punishments large fines of from $100,000 to $500,000, plus prison time. Subsequent violations would carry additional prison time. Rep. Ownbey was concerned about these particular drugs because, while all types of trafficking crimes occur in Oklahoma, abuse of prescription drugs is “especially prevalent.”
Drug Charges Under The New Laws:
Oklahoma is getting more serious about combatting illegal drug trafficking. As criminal defense attorneys, we realize that this means potentially very serious consequences for many of our clients. The best course of action is to avoid involvement in any kind of illegal trafficking at all. Unfortunately it simply is the case that not all individuals will follow that path. Furthermore, sometimes people receive erroneous accusations. That’s when an experienced drug lawyer is invaluable to negotiating the most favorable outcome possible with a prosecutor. If necessary, we have skilled litigators who can make the best possible case before a judge or jury.
Oklahoma’s Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substance Act is in Title 63 of the Oklahoma statutes. Oklahoma regulates the control and sale of controlled dangerous substances (CDS). These are defined to include marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and the compounds used to manufacture them. The CDS list is divided into five Schedules. The categorization of the CDS drugs is according to a scale from the most dangerous drugs which have the highest possibility of abuse and addiction with no recognized medical value (Schedule 1), to the least dangerous drugs having the lowest probability of abuse with some recognized medical uses (Schedule 5). Penalties.
Three of the four prescription drugs subject to the new trafficking laws are on Schedule 2. This labels them as more dangerous than many other drugs on the market. Trafficking in any of these drugs is a felony in Oklahoma. If charged with either felony or misdemeanor drug charges contact our Drug Lawyers Tulsa County
Contact Our Drug Lawyers Tulsa County:
If you receive charges on a drug crime in Oklahoma, whether possession, control, or trafficking, it is critical that you have competent Drug Lawyers Tulsa County on your side. Call our office today for a consultation, and let us assist you in minimizing the negative impact of a drug charge on your life.
