Get The Advocacy of a Skilled Prescription Drug Crimes Lawyer
Not all drug charges involve street drugs. You can also face criminal prosecution in Florida for illegal activity involving prescription medications. These cases can have many complexities, but there can be paths to effective solutions. Get a prescription drug crime lawyer committed to helping you find them. Turn to Karatinos Law, PLLC.
Attorney Keeley Karatinos is passionate about providing clients with realistic expectations, open communication, committed support and tenacious advocacy they need in difficult times. She understands what it takes to build effective strategies for contesting prescription drug charges in Pasco County, Sumter County and Hernando County. She is ready to stand by you and fight for the results you need.
What Types of Prescription Drugs Could You Face Charges Over?
In Florida, drug crime charges can arise from illegal conduct relating to any type of prescription medication. Common drugs involved in such cases include:
- Oxycodone
- Hydrocodone
- Xanax
- Adderall
- Valium
- Percocet
- Vicodin
- Ambien
- Ritalin
- Morphine
Prescription drug charges can range from illegal possession and doctor shopping to prescription fraud. In the face of such serious allegations, it is important to remember that you have rights and options.
Common Enforcement Tactics in Florida
Authorities in Florida employ a wide range of tactics to combat prescription drug abuse and related crimes. These include:
- Prescription drug monitoring efforts, such as the Electronic-Florida Online Reporting of Controlled Substance Evaluation Program (E-FORCSE)
- Undercover operations
- Sting operations
- Pharmacy audits
Innocent individuals can sometimes get caught up in aggressive enforcement efforts. If this has happened to you, a skilled prescription drug defense attorney can help you in the fight to shed light on the truth and get you justice.
Charges of Prescription Drug Possession
Illegal possession is a common prescription drug charge in Florida. Under Florida Statute § 893.13, possessing a controlled substance without a prescription is illegal. Accusations of violating this law can lead to third-degree felony charges.
Even if a medication doesn’t meet the state’s definition of controlled substance, criminal prosecution could be on the table. Florida Statute § 499.03 prohibits possessing any prescription drug without a prescription. This is a generally first-degree misdemeanor. However, it rises to a third-degree felony if there is intent to sell, deliver or dispense.
Can Drug Trafficking Charges Arise in Connection to Prescription Drugs in Florida?
Yes, this is a possibility. Under Florida Statute § 893.135, possessing certain prescription drugs, such as oxycodone, in large amounts can constitute drug trafficking. Trafficking is typically a first-degree felony charge. While this is a very serious charge, facing it is not a hopeless situation. An experienced drug crimes defense attorney can build you a tailored defense to fighting such allegations.
What is Doctor Shopping?
Another common prescription drug allegation in the state is doctor shopping. This crime involves visiting multiple doctors to obtain prescriptions for the same drug without the doctors’ knowledge of the other prescriptions. It is a third-degree felony offense under Florida Statute § 893.13.
Prescription Fraud Charges
Here in Florida, charges can also arise in connection with allegations of prescription drug fraud. This crime can take many different forms, including:
- Forging prescriptions
- Engaging in deception to obtain a prescription-controlled substance
- Possessing a blank prescription form without authorization
Under Florida Statute § 893.13, most types of prescription drug fraud are third-degree felonies.
What are The Consequences of a Conviction On Prescription Drug Charges in Florida?
It depends on the unique circumstances of the case. As we mentioned above, many prescription drug crimes in Florida are third-degree felonies. The maximum penalties for this felony level include fines up to $5,000 and prison time of up to five years.
How close the sentence a person receives is to the maximum is generally decided by a judge. It can be impacted by many factors, including:
- Crime severity
- The impact of the offense
- Mitigating and aggravating circumstances
- Criminal history
- The potential for rehabilitation
A skilled prescription drug lawyer can help you understand what can be done to minimize or completely avoid penalties.
What Defense Strategies Can a Lawyer Employ Against Prescription Drug Crime Charges?
Among the things an experienced attorney can do for those facing charges related to prescription medication is construct a strong defense. There are many potential avenues for contesting such charges, such as:
- Asserting that you had a valid prescription
- Arguing that you had picked the drug up for a friend or family member with a valid prescription
- Claiming lack of intent or knowledge
- Demonstrating that the prosecution’s evidence is insufficient, is inaccurate or was obtained illegally
A lawyer can assess your situation and guide you on what strategies are available to you and which may be the right fit for pursuing your defense goals.
What Are Drug Courts?
Prescription drug charges often intersect with substance abuse issues. Drug courts aim to address such underlying problems by offering treatment-focused alternatives to traditional sentencing. These courts provide a structured program for those facing prescription drug charges related to addiction. They have many requirements, both for entering and completing the program. An attorney can advise on whether you could qualify for a drug court program and what it could mean for your case.
Discover Your Defense Options in a Free Consultation
If you are facing prescription drug charges, we are ready to give you the answers, guidance and support you need. Learn more in a free consultation with attorney Keeley. Schedule one today by calling 352-405-0537 or reaching out by email. We offer services in English, Spanish and Russian.