Arrested for a Drug Offense Involving Ativan?

Consulting with a San Diego Drug Offense Attorney

After being arrested and charged for an alleged drug offense involving Ativan, the best way to protect yourself is to hire a knowledgeable attorney who handles prescription drug cases. With 20 years of experience, I am a San Diego drug offense lawyer who can offer you sound legal advice and aggressive representation in the courtroom.

Information about Ativan

Ativan is an anti-anxiety prescription medication that falls under the drug class of benzodiazepines. When individuals take this drug, their brain activity slows down in order to allow the person to feel relaxed, according to information provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Some of the conditions that are treated with Ativan (also known as lorazepam) include insomnia, epilepsy, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea and vomiting among cancer patients and more. A person must have a valid prescription from a doctor in order to legally possess and take this sedative. Read the information provided below to learn about Ativan-related drug charges in California.

Possible Charges and Penalties for Ativan Abuse

California law lists lorazepam (or Ativan) as a Schedule IV controlled substance. California law prohibits possession of controlled substances without a legitimate prescription. Unlawful Ativan can be considered either a misdemeanor or an infraction, as noted in the state's Health and Safety Code §11375. For those who are accused of actually selling the drug (or possessing it with the purpose of selling it), a conviction can result in up to a year of imprisonment. The penalties that are given for drug convictions vary, depending on the kind of offense was committed, the drug type and amount, and the defendant's criminal background.

Criminal charges can also be applied to physicians who are accused of fraudulently prescribing Ativan and other prescription drugs. For example, the doctor might be accused of accepting money in exchange for prescriptions that the patient does not actually need. When these types of prescription fraud allegations are made, the medical professional could end up being at risk of losing his or her license, in addition to any criminal penalties.

Schedule an Appointment with Kern Law, APC

Regardless of which type of situation you are in, there are many different types of defenses that can be used in Ativan-related drug offense cases.

Contact my firm so I can help you form a strategic defense plan! I am a San Diego prescription drug attorney with extensive experience defending drug charges of all levels of seriousness.