Prescription Fraud Lawyer in Miami
Distribution & Used Without a Licensed Practitioner
One of the common forms of drug abuse is through the use of prescription drugs, including prescription forgery. Research has shown that almost a third of those who took drugs from the age of 12 and above did so taking prescription drugs that were used non-medically. The increasing abuse of prescription drugs has been called an epidemic by the government that has found its way into college campuses and plagues countless adults who have found themselves victims to addiction.
For many, they may have begun taking a prescription drug to handle pain management and were unable to get off the substance after the fact. Many do so without realizing the damaging effects that can be caused, believing that since the drug was prescribed by a doctor it must be safe to use. They may have received the drugs from a friend or a family member, allowing them to gain easy access even though the drugs were not prescribed to them personally.
Following the use of marijuana, prescription drugs are the second most abused form of drugs among younger individuals. Witnessing the increasing use of prescription drugs among the population, the government has taken action against this type of drug crime, even formulating a plan through the 2012 Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Plan. Prescription drug use will be under greater scrutiny and those found guilty for the crime will be harshly penalized in effort to eradicate the problem.
Have you or someone you know been charged with prescription fraud? Florida law defines this drug crime as using fraudulent means to unlawfully obtain prescription drugs for personal use, distribution or sale. Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs in Florida include Xanax, Vicodin, Percocet, Valium and others. By forging prescriptions, altering prescriptions and getting prescriptions from multiple doctors, individuals are able to obtain large and illegal amounts of these prescription drugs. Law enforcement officers in Miami take prescription fraud very seriously, and individuals who are accused of prescription fraud need a proven Miami drug crime attorney who can defend their rights.
First Degree Misdemeanor Charges in Florida
There are numerous ways that an individual can commit prescription fraud and be arrested. More and more people are turning to the Internet to obtain prescription drugs, and you may be charged with prescription fraud if you have hacked into an online pharmacy or used deceptive means to obtain prescription drugs online. It is illegal to sell any kind of prescription or medical device (such as syringes) if you are not a licensed practitioner or pharmacist. For those who are licensed practitioners and illegally deal prescription medications, it is a second degree felony. This is a crime of writing false prescriptions. It is not even legal to have a prescription drug in your possession that was not prescribed to you. It is a third degree felony to be found in possession of a controlled substance, such as prescribed medical marijuana, if it was not prescribed to you directly.
If you are convicted of this crime, your opportunities and your freedom will be compromised by the penalties you will be forced to suffer. Jail time, hefty fines, and a criminal record are all common penalties that result from prescription fraud conviction and you must take action to defend your rights. The distinguished law firm of Parks & Braxton, PA can provide you with the high-quality, dynamic legal defense that you need to avoid these serious penalties. We can take your call 24 / 7, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
There are many ways in which a Miami prescription drug crime attorney can help you if you have been charged. Our team can seek to prove your innocence or have your charges reduced or dropped through providing sufficient evidence, effectively arguing your case or providing reasonable doubt. Law enforcement is not without mistakes and our attorneys have helped many clients retain their freedom by demonstrating that the faults of the officers compromised their case.