Percocet is the brand name of a pain reliever prescription medication. The medication is made up of oxycodone and paracetamol. Depending on the prescription and the patient’s needs, these are blended in various amounts. The medicine is deemed addictive and habit-forming due to its oxycodone components.
As a result, the greatest issue with Percocet is the potential for individuals to become reliant on the drug for everyday use. Percocet is sometimes used illegally for recreational purposes, which can lead to addiction. As a result, there has been an upsurge in Percocet-related crimes as users try to obtain the drug.
Percocet is also known as Blue Dynamite, “Percs,” and Paulas on the street.
What Are Some Crimes Associated with Percocet?
Percocet is frequently related to particular types of crimes due to its high demand as a street drug. These are some examples:
- Unlawful possession of Percocet
- Selling Percocet tablets without authorization
- Operations involving massive volumes of Percocet distribution
- Percocet thievery (armed robberies of pharmacies have been reported in connection with Percocet and other oxycodone-based drugs)
- Percocet distribution to children or minors
- False, falsified, or fraudulent Percocet prescriptions (by pharmacists)
Like many other types of drug crimes, Percocet-related prescription medication offenses might include efforts by numerous persons.
For example, a physician may prescribe in a way that violates prescription laws. The recipient might then take their prescribed Percocet and sell it on the street or black market. These purchasers may use or resell it, for example.
What Are Some Criminal Penalties for Percocet Crimes?
Compared to other prescription drug offenses, Percocet jail time might be extremely harsh. Of course, fines will differ depending on the jurisdiction.
Typical Percocet criminal punishments include:
- 3-5 years in prison for possessing Percocet without a prescription.
- Ten years in prison and a $50,000 punishment for getting Percocet with a falsified prescription, additional fines of up to $300,000 for possessing or distributing more than 100 Percocet tablets.
Can Others Be Held Accountable for Prescription Drug Crimes?
A prescription drug crime frequently involves an individual using the drugs unlawfully or obtaining them illegally and reselling them on the black market. Other people, such as medical professionals, may be held guilty of a prescription drug offense.
In other situations, the doctor or pharmacist may be complicit in the illicit conduct by working with the drug supplier or distributor. A doctor or pharmacist, for example, may issue a forged prescription.
These behaviors may constitute pharmacist malpractice, and these persons may lose their licenses. These behaviors may also result in criminal charges against the medical provider.
Are There Any Defenses Available?
Like any other criminal offense, possession of controlled substances may have defenses. These may differ by state.
Some examples include the following:
- Duress: It may be a defense if a person is forced to possess narcotics under threat of injury (for example, if they are held at gunpoint and told to hold drugs for someone).
- Intoxication: Intoxication can be used as a defense in some cases, especially if it impairs a person’s capacity to develop the correct intent required for a criminal accusation; or
- Possession of a legitimate prescription: For some substances, it can be argued that the person possessed the controlled substance with a legal prescription or license.
Other defenses may also be available. Again, these are determined by specific state legislation as well as the specifics of the offense.
However, keep in mind that voluntary intoxication differs from involuntary intoxication. Depending on your jurisdiction, one can be used as a defense while the other cannot. It is critical to examine your local laws and speak with an attorney in your area.
What Can I Expect for a First-Time Possession of a Controlled Substance Offense?
A first-time offense for possession of a prohibited substance may result in different sentencing alternatives for the defendant in some situations.
This is especially true for less serious offenses and petty felonies. Instead of going to jail, the individual could be placed under home arrest or complete community service.
Again, all of this depends on the allegations’ specific nature and state legislation. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can assist in securing alternative sentencing for a first-time crime.
On the other hand, repeat offenders may face harsher sentences if the court judges that they are chronic offenders or are likely to commit the crime again in the future.
Are There Any Potential Immigration Repercussions?
If the drug crime results in a felony conviction, it can harm a person’s immigration status if they are not a citizen of the United States.
For example, if convicted of drug trafficking, they may immediately be deported from the nation. A history of comparable drug charges may even bar them from entering and applying for U.S. citizenship.
What Happens if I Take Too Much?
Seek emergency medical treatment or dial 1-800-222-1222 for Poison Help. An overdose of this medication can be lethal, especially if taken by a kid or someone who does not have a prescription. Nausea, vomiting, sweating, severe sleepiness, pinpoint pupils, slow breathing, or no breathing are all possible overdose symptoms.
Your doctor may advise you to obtain naloxone (a medication used to reverse an opioid overdose) and keep it on hand at all times. If you stop breathing or do not wake up, a caregiver can administer naloxone. Your caregiver must still seek emergency medical attention and may need to do CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on you while they wait.
Naloxone can be obtained through a pharmacy or the local health department. Make sure anyone who is looking after you knows where you keep your naloxone and how to use it.
What to Stay Away From
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you better understand how Percocet will impact you. Dizziness and drowsiness can lead to falls, accidents, and serious injury.
Do not consume alcohol. Dangerous adverse effects, including death, are possible.
Before taking any other acetaminophen-containing medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist (sometimes abbreviated as APAP). Combining some drugs can result in a lethal overdose.
Side Effects of Percocet
If you experience hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or neck, seek emergency medical attention.
Acetaminophen can induce a severe skin reaction that can be fatal in rare situations. This could happen even if you’ve previously taken acetaminophen or Tylenol with no response. If you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling, stop taking this medication and contact your doctor immediately.
Oxycodone can cause your breathing to slow or stop, and death is possible. If you have slow breathing, long pauses, bluish lips, or difficulty waking up, someone caring for you should provide naloxone or seek emergency medical treatment.
If you develop any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away:
- Sighing, shallow breathing, and breathing that ceases during sleep
- Sluggish heart rate or a weak pulse
- Clammy, chilly skin
- A light-headed sensation, as if you might pass out;
- Weakness, fatigue, fever, unusual bruising, or bleeding
- Perplexity, odd thoughts or actions;
- Convulsions (seizures);
- Urinary difficulties;
Nausea, upper stomach pain, weariness, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored feces, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) are all symptoms of liver disease.
Agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are all symptoms of elevated serotonin levels in the body.
Serious breathing problems may be more common in elderly persons, the disabled, or those suffering from wasting syndrome or chronic respiratory diseases.
Long-term opioid drug use may impair fertility (the ability to have children) in both men and women. It is unknown whether the effects of opioids on fertility are permanent.
The following are common Percocet side effects:
- Dizziness, sleepiness, fatigue
- Headache;
- Constipation, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
- Eyesight impairment;
- Irritation, flushing, or red eyes;
- Sensations of intense joy or despair; or
- Dry mouth
This is not an exhaustive list of possible adverse effects; more may arise.
For medical advice on side effects, contact your doctor. You can contact the FDA to report side effects.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Help with Percocet Criminal Violations?
Possession of a controlled narcotic can result in serious criminal charges.
If you require representation for a case, hiring a drug lawyer in your area may be best. Your lawyer will explain your legal alternatives to you and will represent you during the criminal trial procedure.
