Arrested for Selling Prescription Drugs in Indiana: What Will Happen to You?

Some people mistakenly believe that because a doctor has prescribed a certain drug, it isn’t dangerous and won’t be addictive or abused. But as the United States opioid epidemic has demonstrated, nothing could be farther from the truth. For this reason, both federal and Indiana law prohibit anyone who does not have a license to write prescriptions from selling–or even giving–prescription drugs to other people.

If you have been arrested for selling prescription drugs in Indiana, you should take the matter very seriously and seek legal representation immediately. Indiana penalties for prescription drugs sale are stiff. Here’s what you need to know.

Indiana Drug Schedules

In Indiana, all drugs fall in one of five scheduled categories. Drugs fit into these schedules based on their potential for abuse and whether they have a medically accepted use. Schedule I drugs are those that the Indiana legislature has deemed to have a high potential for abuse, no legitimate medical purpose, and unsafe for treatment. In contrast, Schedule V drugs are considered the least dangerous and addictive.

Prescription drugs may fall in any of the five Schedules. For example, OxyCotin and Vicodin are Schedule II drugs, as they are considered highly addictive but have a legitimate medical use. Valium and Ambien are Schedule IV drugs as they are less dangerous. Schedule III drugs have a moderate danger level, and include codeine, anabolic steroids, and ketamine.

Indiana Charges for a Prescription Drug Sale

If you have been arrested for selling prescription drugs, your potential charge will depend on the drug’s schedule category. Schedule I, II, and III, consisting of the more dangerous substances, can bring a felony charge, ranging from level 1 to level 6. An arrest for selling Schedule IV drugs may bring a misdemeanor charge.

Indiana Penalties for Prescription Drug Sales.

The class of felony charges and possible sentences you may face depend on the drug schedule, the quantities of drugs you allegedly sold, and where you allegedly committed the offense (e.g., near a school or youth center, on a school bus, etc.). You could face a range of potential penalties and consequences such as:

• A prison sentence up to several years or even decades, depending on your criminal record.
• Fines up to tens of thousands of dollars.
• Denial, suspension, or revocation of a professional license, including licenses to practice medicine, nursing, law.
• Denial of an immigration visa, green card, or U.S. citizenship.

If you’ve been arrested for a prescription drug sale in Indiana, call the qualified criminal defense lawyers of Razumich & Associates to learn how to best protect your rights. We are ready to fight for you. Call us today.