Fort Myers Prescription Drug Charge Defense Attorneys
Prescription drugs kill more people than all other drugs combined. Prosecutors heavily investigate and prosecute prescription drug charges. If you are under investigation or face a prescription drug charge, you need help now, not later. We understand your fears and want you to know that even in the most hopeless situations, there can be a good legal defense. However, not just any criminal defense attorney can provide this. Seek out the highly experienced and innovative defense attorneys at Aiken & O’Halloran. We know how to mount strategic and effective defenses against prescription drug crime charges.
For a free consultation, please call us in Fort Myers at 239-955-6715 or complete our contact form. Our criminal defense attorneys represent clients throughout the Fort Myers area.
We Have Decades Of Experience
At Aiken & O’Halloran, we have decades of trial experience and familiarity with local courts. Criminal defense lawyers Peter Aiken and Sean O’Halloran have successfully defended many clients charged with prescription drug crimes. We have represented doctors, pharmacists and pain clinic employees on charges such as trafficking, delivering and prescription fraud. We will exhaust all possible defenses, including illegal search and seizure as well as police misconduct and entrapment.
Prescription drug charges include:
- Possession of controlled substances: Possession of medications such as OxyContin, hydrocodone, Percocet, Vicodin and other opiates without a valid prescription is a serious offense in Florida. Even small quantities can result in misdemeanor charges, while larger amounts can lead to felonies. Penalties may include probation, hefty fines or significant prison sentences, depending on the drug and quantity involved.
- Prescription drug trafficking: Trafficking charges involve the illegal sale, distribution or possession of substantial amounts of controlled substances. For example, possessing just four grams of hydrocodone can lead to a trafficking charge with mandatory minimum sentences ranging from three years to 25 years, depending on the quantity. Fines can reach up to $500,000 for severe cases.
- Prescription fraud: This includes acts such as forging prescriptions, using false identities or obtaining prescriptions through deceptive means. An example might involve presenting fake identification at a pharmacy or altering a prescription for a higher dosage. Convictions often result in felony charges, imprisonment, probation and fines, along with lasting damage to personal and professional reputations.
- Prescription forgery: Forging a prescription involves altering or creating fake prescriptions to obtain controlled substances. For instance, forging a doctor’s signature or tampering with dosage instructions are common forms of prescription forgery. These offenses are usually prosecuted as third-degree felonies, punishable by up to five years in prison and significant fines.
- Doctor shopping to obtain prescriptions: This refers to visiting multiple doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions for the same drug without disclosing existing prescriptions. Doctor shopping is a third-degree felony in Florida and can lead to imprisonment, fines and probation.
- Phony or altered MRI reports: Using or creating fake MRI reports to obtain prescription medications is another form of fraud that carries severe consequences. These actions can result in felony charges, potentially leading to prison sentences, probation and permanent marks on criminal records.
Obtaining legal guidance can be helpful in building a strong defense against prescription drug charges and protecting your rights throughout the legal process.
See our Florida Drug Charge FAQ to learn more.
Health Professionals Facing Prescription Drug Charges
If you are a health professional such as a doctor, nurse, pharmacist or physician’s assistant and you are facing prescription drug charges, your livelihood is at stake because your license can be revoked. Convictions or even allegations of wrongdoing may prompt state medical boards to investigate, leading to license suspension or permanent revocation. This can effectively end your ability to practice in the medical field. We can provide medical professionals with aggressive criminal defense against these charges.
Contact Aiken & O’Halloran For A Free Consultation
For a free consultation, please call 239-955-6715 or complete our contact form. Our prescription drug defense lawyers represent clients throughout Fort Myers and the surrounding areas.