Please answer I need advice quick

OK I did post this on the addiction social but didn't get too much of a response.  I am in trouble for calling in my own prescriptions, LORTAB due to an addiction, can't afford an attorney and going to court tomorrow. My charges are Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. I was able to make bail but think I might be going to jail.  I have no previous criminal background and now I am charged with a felony. Please if anyone has been through this please let me know what to expect. I am in Louisiana and I did this for over a year.  I did have an addiction but now i have been clean for 9 months after going to a detox center on my own(before I got in trouble) Please answer....

[cerrone]

I dont know that this is really the site to ask such a question since most of us, 99 percent of us aren't attorney's,  

No I have never been in trouble for this i do get hydro's for my chronic pain but I don't call them in myself.  

And yes, just in my opinion I would say that you would get some jail time.  They aren't taking prescription fraud lightly these days.  I wouldn't expect to go to court and leave with just probation, you're going to have to do some time......maybe thats not what you want to hear but im just being honest.  

Where I live just a first possession of marijuana is a mandatory 10 days in jail and thats just a minor misdemeanor so I would say yours could carry anywhere from 6 months to 5 years.

It just really frustrates me when people do this it makes it so much harder for people with actual chronic pain to get their pain meds and get treated properly without having to go to a pain management center.  


You're probably not going to get to many replies on this but I thought I'd give you my opinion------I would say anywhere from 6 months to 5 years

[bmdad]

I have seen this question before from others that have had the same issue. Since it is your first offense and you are now clean you may get away with just probation. It will probably just depend on the judge, how many times you did this, and if you can prove you have turned your life around. I know from reading other stories about this that sometimes the judge will give you a sentence of mandatory rehab. If the person stopped going to rehab then they go to jail. But since you are already clean I don't know what will happen. They still might make you to some sort of outpatient rehab or classes. I can't say for sure though as I don't personally know anyone that has came across this. I wouldn't think tomorrow would be your final court date. If you can't afford an attorney, the courts should appoint one to you for free. If I were you I would call a attorney and talk to them. I would talk to them about payment plans. You really do need a lawyer for this. You may not be able to afford one now but just think of all the money you would lose out on from not being able to work if you were in jail? I have heard lawyers will work with you on a payment plan. Since your court date is tomorrow I would try and get a extension so you have time to talk to a lawyer. Call around and talk to as many as you can until you find one that will work with you. It will be worth every penny of it.
Hope it all works out. Let us know how it goes.
Best of luck.

Brian

[jt808]

like the one dude said we are not attourneys but id go in court showing tht u have had a problem an tht u got help an tht u are clean an willing to do whatever it takes to show him tht it was a mistake made while under the influence and u are not this kinda person i mean there really isnt much u can do ur at the mercy ot the system good luck

[kajama]

OK, first of all if I were looking for an attorney's advice I would went on a different website.  My question (look again) is has anyone been through this before I would like to know what their outcome is. Second, I do have chronic pain and have been on these meds for over 8 years. Addiction happened not proud of it but it did. And no what I did does not prevent people with chronic pain to get their meds from a doctor. Addiction causes that problem. If fact I was a nurse working for a neurologist and also in a pain management clinic. It happens and the doctors are aware and offer help. My thing, too embarrassed to let him know. Also I do know that a crime like this can hold up to a 5 year jail sentence. The part I have a problem with. If I would have bought it on the street, it wouldn't be a felony. I do know that I could go to jail and prepared to take that punishment if that be the case, Also not to sound somewhat mean cause that is not me, but don't appriciate it when you talk about how it fustrates you. Duh!!! don't you think I know it was stupid,and not a smart choice and if I could change it I would, Any person that has been addicted to drugs has done things that are not smart against their nature and wish they could go back and change it....So sorry if this came across the wrong way, I have court in less than 20 mins soooooo

[LongerDays]

That harsh response posted to your question was, I think, out of line and seems to simply speculate about what will happen.

Your question is really a hard one to answer except by someone who has been there, as you clearly point out. I am in danger of finding myself in the same position as you one day (though I've stopped that shenanigans, a few strokes of bad luck could put me in the same place as you). I have seen past posts by people who did go to court for the same reason. One I remember was ordered to rehab and paid a big fine, but didn't do any jail time. So that's possible, but not necessarily the only outcome.

For myself, I just began intensive OP treatment because I'm serious about getting clean (hydrocodone, clean for 26 days) and secondarily because if I did get in trouble it would indicate that I know the score on my addiction and am sincerely addressing it. That is what you have done, and it can only help you.

By the way, if you've been clean and hadn't done any bogus scripts for so long, how did you get caught?

LD

[vicki595]

Hi...Let us know what happens...I think this will probably be continued because you don't have an atty.   An atty. is your constitutional right. A public defender will be provided for you.  Do not say anything without an atty. with you.  You don't have to!!!

Good luck and remember...when your name is called,go up and say you want an atty. and nothing else.  

Vicki

[catlover8]

I feel for you so much. I hope everything turns out well. The first post was not very nice. We should never judge another addict's situation, as we are all in the same boat. We have all done stupid things to get drugs or ran out early and tried to refill or something. If you never did anything stupid with your DOC, you are lucky. I am parying for you, and I hope everything will work out. You are not a bad person!

[lostinaddiction]

I wanted to respond to your post because I know a girl that went through the exact same thing as you. She was a nurse at a general practitioners office and due to her addiction to lortab, she started calling in and writing bogus scripts to obtain the pills.
When she went to court she was ordered into rehab. No jail time. I believe she got a fine and probation also. It was her first offense and the judge took mercy on her due to that. In our county they have what is called " Drug Court " and that is what she had to do. It's not rehab. She had to report every morning and take a drug test, attend classes, etc. It last about 6 months and they have a graduation for those that sucessfully complete it. She said it was tough because she basically had to just stop cold turkey, but she made it. You however have already quit so that should go in your favor. I sreiously doubt you will get any jail time due to this being your 1st offense.

Good Luck, please let us know how things go!

[cirene]

What's wrong with what the first poster said?  I don't think he didn't insulted or condemned her.  I didn't read it as him being ugly or sarcastic in any way either.  He made a perfectly valid point - it is actions like this that deter physician's from prescribing narcotic meds.  They'd much rather avoid lawsuits and just refer patients to pain management centers, costing the patient hundreds of additional dollars to get treated properly.  I know this because I'm on this road.  

Addicts make mistakes.  I'm sure cerrone isn't perfect.  And I think the op was just super sensitive because of what she was getting ready to face today.  Definitely a big deal for her.  I'm really interested to hear what the outcome was.

[vicki595]

"An addict should never point a finger at another addict...ever."

...a quote from my notebook

                                       V.

[vicki595]

Kajama~~  How did it go?  Are you okay?
V.

[kajama]

Hey thanks everyone for your support, and sorry didn't mean to be so touchy about this. I did go to court and the judge asked me a few questions about how I did it and did I know it was wrong. I was completly honest with him. He did tell me I do need an attorney and had me fill out an application to have one appointed. He did congratulate me on getting clean and encourged me to stay that way. I had to plead not guilty to be able to have a trial. anyway I have another court date called the pre-trial (not sure what that is) so another waiting game.

to the question about how I got caught, well I knew I was in too deep and got help on my own.  well from what I have heard, the pharmacy contacted the doctor because one of the meds I was on (legally) would have interacted with one I called in. Contact with the doctor showed he didn't prescribe it and then they launched a full investagation. Why it took so long I don't know, I guess maybe they were waiting to see if I did it again. which of course I didn't. When they did come to my house they were really nice and didn't arrest me.  they told me a date when to go and turn myself in. They searched my house and didn't find a thing and I offered to do a drug test.

In this area there are no pain clinics, there are doctor offices where there is a pain management doctor there and they take insurance.

I have already given up my nursing so I have to find a job...question, if your were arrested but haven't been convicted in court yet do you have to mention that on a job application?

[cirene]

Well it sounds like you're gonna be ok.  That's great :).

Regarding the job question, I'm not sure.  But I have a question for you - are you giving up on nursing altogether?

[vicki595]

Hi Sweetie!   Okay...good!   You should be contacted by an atty. soon.  Make a list of any questions you have.  I think this will go well for you.

About the job application...you weren't arrested. You turned yourself in. Big difference.

Good luck~ Keep posting

Vicki  xo

[kajama]

yea I will give up nursing completly... being in an enviroment where I have access to drugs is not something I want to fight for the rest of my life. Also I will probley lose my license anyway.

[lostinaddiction]

It sounds like things will work out for you, I'm so glad. You will feel so much better once you talk to your lawyer and it will be a tremendous weight lifted off of your shoulders.
As far as your last question..... you have not been found guilty, so i don't see why you would need to mention it on an application. From what I remember they usually ask if you have been convicted of a crime. Also like the other poster said, you were not arrested, you turned yourself in. Ask your lawyer about going under the first offenders act and try to keep this off of your record if possible.
Just keep your head up! I will be praying for you :)

[TroubledDude]

Let's face it, it's way too easy to manipulate the Doctors and get prescriptions for Narcotics. I am living proof of this as I had a small back problem 10 years ago that went from 30 percocet (5mg 500mg Acetaminophen) to 400 Oxycontin 20mg & 200 Oxycodone 10mg IR every three months. I have no back problem, just a serious drug problem.

[stilltrying1965]

Iv been to court for things im not proud of. But you should go to court with confidence that you are clean. you only made a stupid but seiouris mistake. I personaly feel you will not go to jail. Like bmdad said probaition could be an option as you have proved that you are sorry by getting clean. You may have to go to some sort of class or meeting and give clean samples. But as someone said, do not say anything if you do not have an attorney. We are in a different country, but we are like you, we are entitled to our right to a fair defence. You will be appointed an attorney who will act for you and he/she will be able to tell you more of what to expect. I honestly dont think you will go to jail as you have proved that your clean now. You done this while in full blown addiction, but your not now, so i think the judge will be a bit more lenient with you, i know you will come home tomorrow, so please let us know what happened, we will pray for you and send you hope, strength and courage, be brave my friend...James and Kim
P.S Thanks for the friends invite, i will be honoured to be your friend.

[stilltrying1965]

Sorry did not read all the posts.just a quick glance. The judge sounds as if he was very sympathetic and was obviously impressed that you got yourself clean. Therefore i think things could turn out ok for you. Dont worry about the things some people say on here. Most of us are very sympathetic and want to help and not try and scare the living daylights out of someone by telling them they wouldnt come home the next day.
Also this type of thing doesnt make it harder for people who are in pain to get their pain meds, its more likely people who are faking it that does, which we have all done. While in full blown addiction we will do almost anything to get our doc, i know i have and i think 99% of people who are on here have. So anyone who thinks that first response to your post obviously forgets what it was like. If theres one thing i cant stand is addicts (no matter how long you've been clean we are always fighting addiction). They are getting a bit above themselves, therefore i dont know why they are even on mh as they are so good they shouldnt need to be here.
People in glass houses shouldnt throw stones.
Anyway, i think your going to be okay hun, you got clean yourself, the judge was impressed and congratulated you on this,and never even mentioned jail time, so i dont think he is looking at jail time for you. So try and relax a bit, youve done well and we all make mistakes, i know we have done some really stupid and yes, some illegal things too. Thats what addiction does, so keep your head held high girl, ..KIM

[onthefence]

what happens (jail, drug court, etc.) all depends on where you are at (what jurisdiction ,state, federal)and how crowded the instituitions are there, non violent, crimes are matrixed out first.

[kajama]

thanks everyone, all I can do is continue to pray and stay clean. Recently I have become more comfortable with telling others about my situation and had some great outcomes from our community.  I do have a few that think I need to be severely punished but most are proud and think this is something that needs more attention too.  The fact that it was so easy to call in the rx to the pharmacy with no questions asked, Second it took the DEA almost a year to catch me. And finally my doc that I did this under never even examined me in the 2 years that I worked for him.  He just gave me what I wanted, I wrote the rx and I charted in the chart (all with his permission) Then when I quit then that is when I did it illegally. PLEASE don't take this as I am blamming anyone else.  This was my fault only and I have to pay for it. Before getting addicted, I was rx by a doctor, Lortab, Perecet, Soma,STadol, Didlaudid and fiorcet.all at different times I did this for a long time, my dx...migraines and fibromyalgia.  But I will be fine thanks to some wonderful people on here and of course the mercy of my God,    Everyone have a great day xoxo

[pharma9]

Good for you cleaning up your life.Look forward not backward.You have learned from your mistakes and are going forward.This experience will help you in your job search.
Do you still have pain or did that go away with the opiates?
I admire the fact that you were able to change your life around and not give in to your addiction.

[cirene]

I hate that you're gonna lose your career.  But I admire you for having the sense to know you're just not strong enough to be in that environment due to the temptations.  I was just curious what your plan was as there was one point and time I was hospitalized with several doctors and nurses.  They too were addicted to narcotics and they weren't going to lose their licenses because they enrolled in rehab, etc.  I thought that was interesting as I automatically thought they would, but evidently you can work some program(s) that allow you to keep what you worked so hard for.  

More importantly (not really,) wasn't it you who said your husband got you a new puppy??  Or do I have you confused with someone else?  I wanna see a pixshur of the puppy :p!

[kajama]

LOL yes my husband did get me a puppy a very cute reverse brindle boxer.  She is 3 months old, I will post pics soon. She has been a big help in all this. As far as my work, well we will see what will happens, I am not too worried I just want to be better.

To pharma.
Yes I do still deal with the pain but in other ways. Migraines and fibromyalgia tend to get worst with stress so, I try relaxation excersises and also biofeedback has been wonderful. when it is unbearable I know narcotics are unavailble so they try things like tordol and antianxiety drugs (by injection only) I don't get sent home with any meds and do get some relief.

[cerrone]

Okay, so there seems to be some "backlash" on my post. Let me claify things up, first i didn't state anything that was innaccurate, if I did please point that out to me.

And let me say this too, to Kajama, congrats on being clean. I did not mean to offend you by telling you that most of us weren't attorneys, or that your sentence would probably carry jail time, or that this is the reason that most doctors divert to pain management docs.....I think you were being a little over sensitive to my post.  

And yes, I am an addict/who has chronic pain, I was on methadone for 5 pure years of hell.  

I don't know what comment set you off, whether it was the fact that I said you would probably have to do jail time, or the fact that it frustrated me that this is one of the main reasons docs have a hard time prescribing pain meds to people who need them.  

If you want my opinion, do i think you should go to jail, no.  Jails are too overcrowded with people with addictions anyways and you don't really get much help with addiction in jail.  

You never know, this may have been a blessing in disguise as you are now clean, which is the most important part.  Like i said, if i offended you by most post i apologize but I didn't say anything i wouldn't say over again.  Thats just how I am, I'm going to be honest with questions i see here, and some people just aren't going to like the responses, but then again thats why there are hundreds of other posters on here and if you don't like what i post to your thread then take it with a grain of salt.

Best of Luck.

[kajama]

No problem all is well,  I basically wanted to know if people have been through this and what was there outcome. You did seem to be judgemental, but hey we are all addicts, we have good days and bad days. I honestly have no problem with you. You speak your mind and I speak mine, LOL Sometimes we have to be "tackful" on how  we put things, the part about going to jail is not the part that upset me it was feeling like if I were the reason people have to go to pain management docs and how it fustrates you. But I don't hold grudges, so take care and just remember some people on here are delicate and one wrong word can crush their spirits; Take care and I wis u the best....

[Mikeinthesouth]

Diversity makes the world go around and that is what this site is about diferent opinions. You can take what is good for you and if you can honestly see it is bad advice then by all means leave it here and do what is best for you and your situation. If at all possible it is best for people to take most of the comments with a grain of salt as these folks here trully don't know each other personally save in a few rare cases. I have seen this numerous times people getting commented to and they get offended. Please remember these folks don't know you personally if at all possible. Love to all here, Michael