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Miami Prescription Drug Crime Lawyer
Also Protecting Clients throughout Fort Lauderdale
Many people have seen the consequences of the abuse of prescription drugs, in the lives of both tabloid celebrities and everyday people that they know. Addiction to prescription drugs usually starts with a genuine illness or injury but then spirals out of control. For others, an existing problem with street drugs or alcohol leads them to seek out another way to get high. As a result, state and federal authorities are using every possible means to crack down on these crimes. At The Hoffman Firm, our Miami prescription drug crime lawyer helps clients avoid criminal convictions.
Find out more about how to fight for your future by calling (305) 928-1669 for our Miami office. Call 954-737-3004 if you are in Broward County.
Commonly Abused Prescription Drugs
Most drugs have familiar names and are prescribed to patients suffering from pain, whether due to a chronic condition or an acute injury. When misused or abused, a person begins to need higher and higher dosages to gain the same buzz.
This can lead to “doctor shopping,” where a person visits numerous doctors without telling them about other prescriptions they are already receiving. Other people suspected of prescription drug offenses could be working in healthcare settings or with family members who take medicine for chronic conditions.
The following is a list of prescription narcotics included in §893.03 that are commonly abused:
- OxyContin
- Oxycodone
- Tylenol III
- Percocet
- Fentanyl
- Morphine
- Demerol
- Codeine
- Vicodin
- Anabolic steroids
Penalties for a Prescription Drug Conviction
The following are second degree felonies which are punishable by up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines:
- Knowingly purchasing or receiving prescription drugs from a person not authorized to distribute prescription drugs in a wholesale distribution transaction
- Knowingly selling or transferring drugs to a person not authorized to purchase or possess prescription drugs
- Knowingly being in actual or constructive possession of any amount of contraband prescription drugs, whether to sell or deliver them
In addition, upon conviction, a defendant would be ordered to pay a mandatory fine ranging from $25,000 to $250,000, depending on the value of the contraband prescription drugs involved. Punitive fines for corporations committing these crimes are substantially higher.
Prescription Fraud
Prescription fraud occurs when an individual forges or otherwise falsely obtains a prescription for a controlled substance. It also occurs when someone makes false or misleading statements to a medical practitioner for the purposes of obtaining a prescription.
The punishment for prescription fraud in Florida depends on the severity of the offense, but in general, those accused face up to 60 days in prison and a fine of up to $500 for a first offense.
To defend themselves, defendants may argue that:
- Their prescription was filled in good faith
- The accused was not aware that the prescription was forged or otherwise falsely procured
- The accused had to the best of their knowledge disclosed all of their prescriptions to their medical practitioner
- The accused visited different medical practitioners for distinct purposes
- The accused is using the prescription “off-label” to treat a valid medical condition
- The accused has a valid medical condition that may be treated with the prescription they obtained
Call us at (305) 928-1669 if you are in Miami, or 954-737-3004 if you are in Broward County, to schedule a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Why Should You Hire The Hoffman Firm? Here Are a Few Reasons:
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Client-Focused RepresentationOur Firm is dedicated to client satisfaction. We are available 24/7 to help those in need.
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Decades of ExperienceAttorney Evan Hoffman has over two decades of experience fighting for the accused.
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Premier Criminal Defense FirmExperienced Attorney Evan Hoffman has handled some of the most high profile and complex cases.
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Proven Track RecordClient satisfaction is our top priority. At The Hoffman Firm we take great pride in our success and case victories.
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Florida Former State ProsecutorAttorney Evan Hoffman has extensive knowledge of the strategies used by prosecutors throughout Florida.
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Free Initial ConsultationWe offer free initial consultations to ensure that we have your best interests in mind.