Selling Oxycontin/Oxycodone: Penalties, Laws and Defense

The distribution of narcotics illegally can result in significant prison terms and fines for the offender.  In addition, if one is engaged in a sizeable operation of distribution, the penalties can quickly escalate.  Presently, there is a noticeable crackdown by judges throughout the United States on the distribution of oxycontin and oxycodone, in a presumed effort to reduce the illegal use of the drugs in the nation.

What is Oxycontin/Oxycodone?

Oxycontin and oxycodone are drugs which are time released pills or tablets, typically prescribed by doctors to treat orthopedic, neurological and cancer pain. Those who abuse the drugs usually do so by taking intact tablets or by crushing or chewing the tablet and then swallowing, snorting or injecting. The drug is very concentrated and addictive. Therefore, the federal Controlled Substance Act treats oxycontin and oxycodone as “Schedule Two” drugs subject to heavy regulation.  Oxycontin and oxycodone are sometimes referred to by the following popular names:

• Oxy
• Ox
• OC
• Oxycotton
• Hillbilly Heroin
• Killer
• Oceans
• Oxycoffins

Laws Regarding Distribution of Oxycontin and Oxycodone

Every state has different laws relating to the distribution of oxycontin and oxycodone.  As a result, the specific provisions and ramifications for distributing these drugs vary.  Nevertheless, generally most states treat the possession of oxycontin and oxycodone as a felony.  Usually, if one seeks to distribute, or has been distributing, a large number of pills, a state will have enhanced penalties as the number of pills in one’s possession increases. Imprisonment terms can reach up to twenty years in many states for one count of distribution, while fines for possession can quickly escalate up to the hundreds of thousands for many counts of the charge of distribution.

Getting Legal Help

If one has been charged with distributing oxycontin or oxycodone, one should consider consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible in the matter.  An experienced criminal defense attorney can review one’s case and evaluate what one’s options are in the matter.  Moreover, a seasoned defense attorney can help to preserve one’s rights and assist in directing one towards any particular course of action in the case. Finally, an attorney who has experience and contacts in the criminal courts can help to work out a plea bargain and obtain a lower sentence on one’s behalf, if circumstances allow for such an option.