For the next few posts, let’s consider the fictional plight of James, Kevin, and Paul. These three guys are all high school teachers in their 30s. Teaching has many advantages, but it is also rather predictable and, sometimes, a little dull. The Three Amigos yearn for a little more adventure. Plus, they got hooked on old Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous reruns on Hulu, and they want to find a way to expand their incomes.
They soon begin altering prescription labels for opioid painkillers and selling the pills. Kevin has a back injury and he knows of a rather shady clinic on the South Side. The doctor writes prescriptions and does not ask too many questions. At first, they only sell to friends and relatives, but word gets around and demand expands. These three guys may be a bit immature, but they are not utterly stupid. They know an opportunity when it presents itself. They even throw in extras, like fake prescription labels, so their valued customers can hopefully avoid the watchful eye of law enforcement.
Later on, they add other drugs to their inventory. James’ girlfriend’s cousin did some time in a state prison, and he knows how to get some harder stuff. Soon, our trio of miscreants are selling cocaine, LSD, MDMA (ecstasy), and pretty much any other drug that people may want. At the same time, they keep a very low profile. They also vary their routines in terms of pick-ups and sales.
How soon will it be before the police get wind of this operation and try to shut it down? These guys only sell a small amount of these drugs, so how much trouble can they really get in? And what will Paul tell his wife when he has to “work late” for the 178th night in a row? Here is what we do know.
Prescription Drug Fraud in Illinois
Many painkillers are very, very strong. Fentanyl is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin and about 100 times stronger than morphine. So, wrongful possession of even one pill can be a Class 4 felony. That could mean up to three years in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Kevin might have a defense for possession, although the validity of his prescriptions is questionable at best. The other two are completely out of luck, as are their customers. It does not matter if the pills were free samples. A monetary exchange is not an element of an Illinois prescription drug fraud or delivery prosecution.
The fake labels just make things worse for Kevin, James, and Paul. Prescription drug fraud cases are a little like mail fraud cases. Every time you lick an envelope, prosecutors add another charge. That is why you see people charged with a thousand counts of mail fraud. Every prescription drug fraud transaction may involve two or three separate felonies. So, even if they only made a few dollars off a few pills, Paul and his buddies definitely need good lawyers.
Connect With Assertive Attorneys
Prescription drug fraud is one of the most common drug charges in Illinois. For a confidential consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Schaumburg, contact Glasgow & Olsson.
(image courtesy of Simone Van der Koelen)