What types of prescription drug offenses are there?

In Washington, there are several types of prescription drug offenses that can be charged. The most common type of offense is for possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription. This includes any Schedule I, II, III, IV, or V controlled substances, as listed in the Washington Controlled Substances Act. It is also illegal in Washington to possess any prescription drug that has been obtained through a fraudulent means, such as forged or altered prescriptions, stealing a prescription, or obtaining a prescription through false representation. Another type of offense can be charged if a person is found in possession of a large quantity of prescription drugs, which is usually indicative of drug trafficking. The penalties for trafficking can be quite severe and can include up to life in prison. In addition, individuals may be held accountable for illegally selling prescription drugs, either through obtaining prescriptions under false pretenses or providing unauthorized prescriptions to others. In Washington, it is illegal to sell, give away, or transport any controlled substance, regardless of whether a valid prescription is present or not. It is also a crime in Washington to misuse prescription drugs, either through selling or distributing them outside of the medical setting, or using them for other than the prescribed purposes, such as for recreational use. Prescription drug offenses can be thought of as a hybrid between criminal and civil offenses, as the charges and consequences can vary widely depending on the facts of the case.

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