Criminal Attorneys Defend Against Prescription Drug Charges in Tavares, Inverness and Clermont

Experienced trial lawyers protect your rights throughout the process

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that more than 36,000 people died of drug overdoses in a recent year and attributed most of these deaths to prescription medications. That’s in large part why Florida law enforcement is cracking down on crimes involving prescription medications.

Selling or possessing prescription pills carries the same penalties as if the pharmaceuticals were street drugs like ecstasy. Largey Law builds a strong defense if you are charged with possession or trafficking in such drugs as:

• Opioids — including hydrocodone, oxycodone, fentanyl, methadone and codeine
• Benzodiazepines — such as alprazolam, diazepam and lorazepam, which are sold under the brand names Xanax, Valium and Ativan
• ADHD drugs — including Adderall, Ritalin and Concerta

As an example, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies oxycodone as a Schedule II substance, the same as cocaine. Possession charges come with stiff penalties, so you need capable defense representation.

Florida’s doctor shopping statute restricts drug-seeking

A legitimate prescription does not entitle you to an unlimited supply of the prescribed drug. Under Florida’s doctor shopping statute, a patient who asks a doctor for a prescription for a controlled substance must inform the doctor if the patient obtained a prescription for the same drug within the previous 30 days. Because the burden is on the patient to volunteer the information, you can be charged with doctor shopping even if you believed your actions were legal.

Our attorneys recognize that many people charged with prescription drug offenses became dependent during a serious injury or illness that required legitimate medical use of the drugs. For this reason, it is sometimes in your best interests to pursue drug court or a rehabilitation facility option that can avoid a criminal conviction and can get you the help you need.

Anti-pill mill bill dispenses confusion

Florida not long ago enacted an “anti-pill mill bill” intended to crack down on phony clinics that are fronts for the trafficking of prescription drugs. The law, however, is so broad that some fear that it could be used to prosecute ethical doctors who operate legitimate pain clinics that serve chronically or terminally ill patients.

The 2011 Anti-Pill Mill Bill can put doctors in the unnerving position of having to defend their licenses, practices and freedom to provide patients with the help they need. When developing a defense strategy, our attorneys consider the impact of your criminal case on your medical practice and license, and we take steps to protect you.

We fight charges of illegal prescription drug possession or sales in Tavares, Inverness and Clermont

To defend against charges that you used or sold prescription pharmaceuticals illegally, call Largey Law at 352.508.1485 or contact the firm online. Your first consultation is free. We have offices in Tavares, Inverness and Clermont, and our lawyers can meet you in your home or at the jail. Weekend and evening appointments are available. Se habla español.