St. Lucie Prescription Drug Crime Attorneys

If you or someone you love has been charged with a prescription drug crime, contact the St. Lucie prescription drug crime lawyers at The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A. today. We know how difficult and stressful these times can be, and you do not have to go through this alone. Knowing and understanding your rights is vital, and having the assistance of an aggressive St. Lucie prescription drug crime defense attorney from The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A. can help.

If you have been charged with a prescription drug crime, do not enter a plea or try to negotiate a deal with prosecutors until you have consulted with a criminal defense lawyer and fully understand your rights, the charges against you, and potential outcomes. Being charged with a prescription drug crime can be overwhelming, and that’s why we are here at to help. Contact The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A. today by calling 772-336-4357 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Do I Need an Attorney?

Though you may feel that you can’t afford a defense attorney, the reality is that you can’t afford to lose your case. The public defender will not be able to provide you with the individualized attention and defense that you will need, which can result in life-changing penalties. A conviction can have resounding negative repercussions for the accused and their family, including stigmatization in their community and problems surrounding work, housing, and school. An individual convicted of prescription drug crimes can face years in prison and costly fines. Accusations of prescription drug crimes are not something to be taken lightly, which is why you need an aggressive and experienced criminal defense attorney on your side.

Why Choose The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A.?

At The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A., we understand that accusations are not always accurate and that people do make mistakes. With over 20 years of experience zealously defending clients accused of prescription drug offenses, we have earned the esteem of clients and peers alike. We know what it takes to mount a personalized and effective defense for you, so we can give you the best chance at protecting your freedom and future.

Prescription Drug Crimes in Florida

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 1999 and 2016, over 200,000 people in the United States died from prescription drug overdoses, with prescription opioid overdoses accounting for five times as many deaths as other prescription drugs. The most common types of prescription drugs involved in overdose deaths including:

• Methadone
• Oxycodone, such as OxyContin®
• Hydrocodone, such as Vicodin®

Additionally, prescription drugs like Xanax and Valium are also commonly found in the systems of individuals who die from drug overdose.

In Florida, there were 2,798 opioid overdose deaths in 2016, with synthetic opioids accounting for 1,566 of those deaths. Since the rate of prescription drug abuse has been increasing over the years, and the number of overdose deaths has caught the attention of the public and many state lawmakers, those accused of abusing prescription drugs are facing stricter penalties than ever before.

While prescription drugs are generally legal, they are still considered a controlled substance, and they are subject to laws and limitations concerning their use and distribution. The following are just some of the prescription drug crimes for which [firm-name] has extensive experience defending clients:

Doctor Shopping

Under Florida law, doctor shopping occurs when a person seeks to obtain a controlled substance or a prescription and doesn’t tell the doctor that they have received the same prescription from another doctor within the previous 30 days. It is also illegal under Florida law to acquire or obtain a controlled substance through fraud, misrepresentation, forgery, deception, or subterfuge. A person may be suspected of doctor shopping for a number of reasons, including the following:

• Making numerous appointments with multiple doctors to discuss the same issues and get the same or similar prescriptions
• Seeking a replacement prescription and claiming the original prescription was lost or stolen
• Paying cash for doctor’s visits and/or prescriptions
• Seeming rushed or agitated when talking about a prescription
• Requesting specific drugs and dosages

Under Florida law, doctor shopping can be charged as a felony, and an individual convicted of this crime can face jail time, probation, and fines.

Illegal Possession of Prescription Medication

While prescription drugs are generally legal, they are legal only for those to whom they are actually prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider. An individual who does not have a prescription for a specific drug may be charged with possession of a controlled substance. What the controlled substance is and how it is classified will determine what type of crime an individual in wrongful possession can be charged with. Depending on the charge, a conviction for possession can lead to punishments like probation, jail time, and fines.

Distribution/Trafficking of Prescription Medication

Distribution and trafficking laws regulate the sale, transportation, and importation of controlled substances. A person who is in lawful possession of prescription drugs may commit the crime of drug trafficking by selling or giving their prescribed drugs to others.

A person who is not in lawful possession of a prescription drug and who distributes the drugs to others may be charged with the crime of possession and trafficking.

Drug trafficking is a crime under both state and federal law, so an individual accused of a trafficking offense may face a variety of charges at both levels. The severity of the charge will depend on factors like what the drug was, what class of controlled substance it was categorized under, the quantity of drugs moved or distributed, and whether the drugs were moved across state lines.

Depending on the charge, a conviction of drug trafficking can be punished by jail time, seized assets, and fines.

Contact Us

Since prescription drugs are a controlled substance, an offense involving prescription drugs is a very serious matter that can lead to felony charges. Being accused of committing a prescription drug crime can be a very stressful experience, and the legal process for proving your innocence can be very confusing and intimidating. If you have been charged with a prescription drug crime in St. Lucie, including Port St. Lucie, St. Lucie West, Tradition, Fort Pierce, Lakewood Park, and other nearby areas, it is important that you know and understand your legal rights and options. The experienced prescription drug attorneys at The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A. are ready to fight tirelessly to defend you against these charges. To schedule a confidential consultation, call us today at 772-336-4357.