New York legal term
Prescription in New York Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New York legislative session
In New York criminal law, “Prescription” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New York criminal code.
What does “Prescription” mean in New York criminal law?
"Prescription" means a direction or authorization by means of a written prescription form or an oral prescription which permits a person to lawfully obtain a prescription medication or device from any person authorized to dispense such prescription medication or device. 3. (N.Y. Penal Law § 178.00)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Criminal diversion of prescription medications and prescriptions in the first degree
- Criminal diversion of prescription medications and prescriptions in the fourth degree
- Criminal diversion of prescription medications and prescriptions in the second degree
- Criminal diversion of prescription medications and prescriptions in the third degree
- Criminal impersonation in the first degree
- Facilitating a sexual performance by a child with a controlled substance or alcohol
- Forgery in the second degree
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.