Las Vegas Prescription Pill Defense Attorney

Las Vegas residents and visitors are more frequently being arrested and charged with prescription pill offenses, such as doctor (Dr.) shopping, possession of medication without a prescription, illegal possession of medication and prescription fraud.

A conviction for a prescription pill or medication offense in Las Vegas could result in harsh penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, a potentially permanent criminal record, hefty fines, revocation of a professional license and/or an inability to pursue certain jobs or employment opportunities.

If you have been charged with prescription pill abuse in Nevada, it is important to contact an experienced drug defense attorney in Las Vegas who will immediately begin working on the best legal strategy for your particular situation.

Las Vegas Possession of Prescription Pills Lawyer

If you have been charged with possession of prescription pills in Las Vegas, or any of the surrounding areas in Nevada, including Henderson, North Las Vegas, Boulder City, Mesquite, Laughlin, Paradise, Spring Valley, Sunrise Manor, Enterprise, Winchester, Whitney or Summerlin South, contact the Law Office of Joel M. Mann.

Joel Mann is an experienced drug defense lawyer in Las Vegas and will make every effort to help you avoid the most serious penalties and repercussions to your alleged offense. Call the Law Office of Joel M. Mann at (702) 474-6266 to schedule a free consultation about your prescription pill offense.

Illegal Possession of Prescription Pills in Las Vegas

Chapter 453 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, also known as the Uniform Controlled Substances Act, defines the elements to possession of a controlled substance, including prescription pills and medications, and the possible penalties an individual could face if they are convicted of the offense. As defined in NRS 453.336, an individual can be charged with unlawful possession of prescription pills not for the purpose of sale if they knowingly or intentionally possess a prescription or medication.

It is a defense to this crime if an individual has a lawful prescription from any of the following who are acting in the course of their professional practice:

  • Physician
  • Physician’s assistant
  • Dentist
  • Optometrist
  • Veterinarian

This offense could result in a felony conviction, regardless of the schedule the substance is categorized in and whether the alleged offender has previous drug convictions.

Las Vegas Doctor Shopping Defense Attorney

An individual can be charged with doctor shopping if they go to more than one doctor or provider to get a prescription for the same medication or controlled substance without informing that doctor another physician already gave them a prescription for the same medication.

The substances commonly associated with doctor shopping can include:

  • Narcotics
  • Opiates
  • Hydrocodone
  • Morphine
  • Methadone
  • Codeine
  • Oxycodone
  • Oxycontin
  • Xanax
  • Ambien
  • Valium
  • Stimulants
  • Depressants
  • Adderall
  • Ritalin

As defined in section 453.391 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, an individual can be charged with doctor shopping if they knowingly obtain a prescription from a new practitioner while they are treated and supplied with a prescription from another practitioner and without disclosing this information to the new practitioner.

Dispensing of Illegal Pills in Nevada

Doctors can also be charged with a criminal offense if they illegally prescribe prescription pills in a reckless and careless manner. According to NRS 453.381, a doctor may prescribe controlled substances for a legitimate medical purpose in the ordinary course of their practice. This means if a doctor prescribes medication to a person that does not need the medication, if the doctor is selling prescriptions for a profit, or if the medication is prescribed in any manner outside of the doctor’s normal type of practice, they could be charged with a criminal offense.

Penalties for Prescription Pill Offenses in Las Vegas

The penalties for prescription pill offenses in Nevada can vary depending on the type of drug or controlled substance, the schedule the prescription or medication is classified in, and whether the alleged offender has previously been convicted of any drug offense. As defined in NRS 453.421, 453.336 and 193.130, an individual convicted of prescription pill offenses in Nevada can face any of the punishments listed below.

  • A conviction for dispensing illegal pills in Nevada can result in a category C felony, which is punishable by a prison sentence ranging from one to five years and/or a fine up to $10,000.
  • A conviction for doctor shopping can result in a category C felony, which is punishable by a prison sentence ranging from one to five years and/or a fine not more than $10,000.
  • A first or second conviction for illegal possession of prescription pills in schedules I, II, III or IV can result in a category E felony, which is punishable by one to four years in prison.
  • A third or subsequent conviction for illegal possession of prescription pills in schedules I, II, III or IV can result in a category D felony, which is punishable by one to four years in prison and/or a fine up to $20,000.
  • A first conviction for illegal possession of prescription pills in schedule V can result in a category E felony, which is punishable by one to four years in prison.
  • A second or subsequent conviction for illegal possession of prescription pills in schedule V can result in a category E felony, which is punishable by one to four years in prison and/or a fine up to $5,000.

In certain cases, an individual may be eligible for a deferred sentence or deferred adjudication, probation, and substance abuse treatment instead of prison and fines. It is important to consult with your drug defense lawyer to determine if alternative sentencing may be available in your particular situation.

Law Office of Joel M. Mann | Las Vegas Prescription Fraud Attorney

If you have been arrested and charged with prescription fraud, doctor shopping or illegal possession of prescription pills in Clark County and the surrounding areas in South Nevada, contact the Law Office of Joel M. Mann to discuss your criminal charges. Joel Mann is an experienced Las Vegas drug lawyer who will make every effort to help you achieve the most desirable outcome in your situation. Call (702) 474-6266 for a free consultation about your alleged drug crime in Las Vegas.