New Jersey's Battle against Pharmaceutical Drugs
In 2008, New Jersey had a total of 42,173 arrests for the possession and usage of drugs. A growing percentage of the total drug arrests were attributed to the use of prescription drugs. According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New Jersey has one of the highest concentrations of pharmaceutical and chemical firms in the United States. The DEA has seen an increase in the number of crimes associated with prescription forgery and organized prescription drug script rings.
Some of the most frequently abused prescription drugs include Percocet, OxyContin, Xanax, and Vicodin. When used as directed, the prescription drugs serve as painkillers for a variety of medical conditions. On the other hand, if not used properly, these prescription drugs can be abused.
During the years of 2006-2007, NSDUH found that 257,000 of New Jersey residents used drugs for non-medical pain reliever use. In a survey involving a New Jersey high school, it was discovered that 11% of students surveyed had used inhalers for drug abuse.
To prevent the illegal manufacturing, distribution, and usage of prescription drugs, New Jersey enacted the Controlled Dangerous Substance (C.D.S.) Act, where medical practitioners and other distributors must obtain a C.D.S. registration card in order to legally work with prescription drugs.
Any person found in illegal possession of a controlled dangerous substance in New Jersey could be liable for fines of $25,000 or more. Also, a person could face a jail sentence ranging from 5 years to 20 years depending on the quantity of the controlled dangerous substance found in possession.
If you have been charged with a drug crime in New Jersey, you have the right to a skilled Princeton criminal defense lawyer. The New Jersey drug crime attorneys of Lependorf & Silverstein fight for the rights of their clients accused of abusing prescription drugs. Our aggressive attorneys use effective legal representation to meet the needs of our clients and provide them with a strong defense. For your free legal consultation, contact our office at 609-240-0040.
