Prescription Drug Crimes
Jacksonville, Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers
The use of prescription painkillers, sedatives, stimulants and other prescribed medications as recreational drugs has increased dramatically in the last few years. Law enforcement has developed tactics to combat the many forms of prescription fraud and the illegal use of prescription drugs. Prosecutions of these cases have become a priority in many jurisdictions.
The law firm of Stone & Associates, P.A. has represented doctors, pharmacists and pharmacy workers accused of trafficking prescription drugs, as well as those accused of doctor shopping, obtaining drugs without a valid prescription, illegal possession or street dealing. Based in Jacksonville, our proven criminal defense lawyers take cases in all of Florida's state and federal courts. Call us immediately at 904-396-3335 if you were arrested or believe you are under investigation.
Prescription Fraud
We have represented physicians and pharmacy professionals facing state and federal investigations of prescription fraud. We have also defended medical professionals against serious charges of conspiracy and trafficking in pharmaceutical drugs. We have developed successful defenses for many prescription drug fraud charges, including:
- Dispensing drugs "out the back door" to people without prescriptions
- Smuggling pills out of the pharmacy or hospital
- Over-prescribing and getting kickbacks from street sales
- Prescribing drugs without seeing patients or without a valid medical reason
We have also represented clients accused of fraud in obtaining prescription drugs:
- Forging prescriptions
- Collusion with doctors or pharmacy insiders
- Doctor shopping (seeing several doctors until one says yes)
- Filling a single prescription at multiple pharmacies
Prescription Drug Possession, Intent to Distribute or Trafficking
In the wrong hands, prescription-only medications such as Hydrocodone, OxyContin, Loratab, Vicodin, Xanax, Valium or Ritalin (to name just a few) are just as illegal as cocaine or heroin. Possession of just one pill can be considered a felony offense.
Possessing a large quantity — or possessing small quantities of several different drugs — raises the stakes. Charges of intent to distribute, sale or trafficking are punishable by prison terms with some offenses carrying minimum mandatory sentencing of 25 years. Some of the harshest prison terms have been imposed on people who have never been in trouble with the law before.
We Understand What's at Stake
We have represented clients who stand to lose their jobs, professional licenses and freedom if prescription fraud charges stick. We vigorously challenge the evidence in these types of cases in order to negotiate from a position of power rather than simply enter into plea bargains that subject our clients to prison. There are many defenses to these types of cases that exist. We have the knowledge, expertise and experience to ensure our clients receive the best possible defense in these situations.
Contact our Jacksonville office for a free initial consultation with experienced drug crime defense attorneys.
