Chicago Prescription Drugs Defense Attorney
Common Prescription Drug Charges
Most prescription drugs are susceptible to abuse. The abuse then leads
to addiction. Eventually, the addiction leads to criminal charges.
Common criminal charges related to prescription drugs include:
All of these are
felony offenses. Accordingly, they are punishable by at least 1 year in prison
and a fine of up to $25,000.
Common Types of Prescription Drugs
Criminal charges for unlawfully possessing or selling prescription drugs
often include the following drugs:
Opioids and Pain Killers: OxyContin, Oxycodone, Zohydro, Hydrocodone, Vicodin,
Norco, Codeine, Percocet<
div>
Depressants and Barbiturates: Xanax, Valium, Clonazepam
Stimulants: Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta
Alternatives to a Prison Sentence
Attorney Thomas Hallock's primary goal is always to obtain a complete
dismissal of your charges or a not guilty verdict at trial. If this is
not an option, his fallback position is to obtain court supervision or
placement in a deferred-prosecution program. Both options give you the
opportunity to avoid incarceration and dispose of the charges without
a conviction. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to remove
the arrest from your
criminal record.
Some examples of deferred-prosecution programs include:
Drug School: Drug school is a program in Cook County that allows clients
charged with simple possession to avoid a conviction. To qualify, the
client must have no felony convictions, and no misdemeanor convictions
for selling drugs or for a violent crime. The client attends 4 drug-education
classes, which take place weekly and are 2.5 hours each. After completing
the classes, the client becomes eligible to have his or her case dismissed.
2nd-Chance Probation: 2nd-Chance Probation is for clients charged with
non-violent felonies. To qualify, the client must have no felony convictions,
no convictions for a violent crime, and no previous placement in a deferred-prosecution
program. Treatment for substance abuse is often part of the program. Successful
completion of the program allows the client to avoid incarceration and
dispose of the felony charge without a conviction.
TASC Probation (Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities): TASC probation
is a program designed to encourage clients to address the causes of their
behavior. TASC case-managers prepare individualized plans to help participants
overcome their personal challenges and make better choices. Treatment
for substance abuse is often a central focus. Under TASC probation, the
judge enters a conviction against the client when they enter TASC but
vacates the conviction upon successful completion of the program. Acceptance
into TASC is often denied, but a skillful defense attorney can improve
your chances of being admitted into the program.
Drug Court: Drug court is a program for clients charged with non-violent
felonies that have addiction issues. Drug court provides clients with
counseling, drug screening, and drug treatment. Regular court monitoring
helps clients stay on track. Successful completion of the program results
in a reduction of the sentence or even a dismissal of the charges. More
important, however, is that clients leave the program with the skills
needed to live a life free from addiction.
Contact Thomas C. Hallock if you need a skilled and committed prescription
drugs defense attorney in Chicago.
Request a
complimentary case evaluation by
calling (888) 412-3741.