Tampa Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

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Tampa Prescription Pill Crimes Lawyer

The federal government and the state of Florida have been working hard to shut down so-called “pill mills,” pain clinics and doctors’ offices that sell and dispense prescription medication to individuals who don’t have legitimate medical needs for the medications. They are targeting providers as well as those trying to obtain these medications. The penalties for prescription pill crimes are severe. If you have been charged, don’t take chances. Hire an experienced attorney with a strong track record of providing aggressive defense.

At O’Brien Hatfield, P.A., we know that you want to understand what you are up against when facing criminal charges. While we cannot promise you a certain outcome, we will commit to doing everything we can to protect your rights. Our prescription pill attorneys have extensive experience representing people against drug charges in both the federal and state courts throughout Florida. If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys about your case, you can reach us online or call us in Tampa at 813-440-2347, en Español at 813-390-2494 or in Orlando at 407-305-4585.

Florida’s Prescription Pill Classification System

Florida classifies prescription drugs in schedules according to how addictive the state believes them to be or how much of a health threat they pose to the public. The most commonly abused prescription drugs are listed as follows:

  • Schedule I drugs: Fentanyl, GHB, hydrocodone, Valium, Percocet, codeine, morphine, oxycodone, Demerol, methadone and Rohypnol
  • Schedule II drugs: Codeine, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone and Dilaudid
  • Schedule III drugs: Anabolic steroids
  • Schedule IV drugs: Xanax, lorazepam and phenobarbital

Florida’s drug penalties for using, possessing, selling or purchasing prescription drugs generally align with how they are scheduled.

Ritalin And Adderall

Ritalin and Adderall are frequently prescribed for children and young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Ritalin and Adderall are most commonly used by younger people, although people of all ages and from all walks of life take these substances. Although these drugs can counter the effects of ADHD, they have addictive properties. In some cases, these drugs are used recreationally. Possessing Ritalin or Adderall without a prescription is against the law. In fact, you could be charged with a felony under Florida law for illegally possessing Ritalin or Adderall. If you have been charged with possessing or trafficking in these drugs, you need a criminal defense lawyer urgently.

OxyContin/Oxycodone And Percocet

Oxycodone, also known by the name OxyContin, is a powerful painkiller. Many individuals who are prescribed OxyContin become addicted. Many addicts, after receiving OxyContin legally, continue to seek out the drug without a prescription. So-called pill mills have sprung up throughout Florida to meet this demand.

According to numerous reports, Florida is at the epicenter of OxyContin use and abuse. The Florida Legislature, in reaction to the increased use of OxyContin, has dramatically increased the penalties for illegal possession or sale of this drug. As a consequence, countless people across the state now find themselves facing severe criminal penalties.

Criminal possession of a controlled substance such as oxycodone, OxyContin or Percocet is punishable under 21 U.S.C. Section 844. You can also be charged for criminal possession of other drugs such as hydrocodone, Vicodin, Ritalin, fentanyl, Xanax, Valium, lorazepam and Demerol.

Some of the top-selling oxycodone clinics in the country are located in Florida. People from many states come to Florida to buy prescription painkillers at these clinics. Police and state troopers make traffic stops along roads such as I-275, I-95 and the Florida turnpike in the hopes of catching individuals trafficking prescription drugs. If they find painkillers in the vehicle, the passengers can be arrested and charged with drug trafficking just for possessing a large amount of a drug, even if they have a legitimate prescription.

Hydrocodone Offense Lawyers Who Will Be Devoted To Protecting Your Rights

Under Florida law, possessing between 4 grams and 14 grams of hydrocodone without a prescription will bring a mandatory minimum prison term of three years. While this is bad enough, penalties for possessing increased amounts of hydrocodone are even worse. Possession of between 14 grams and 28 grams of hydrocodone will lead to 15 years, and possession of 28 grams or more of hydrocodone brings on a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years.

To make matters worse, these charges are based on the total weight of the pill, not the total weight of the controlled substance. For instance, Vicodin pills are a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen, the substance used to make Tylenol. If you are found with, for instance, 5 grams of Vicodin pills without a prescription, the charge will be based on the total weight of the pills, not the total weight of the hydrocodone inside the pills.

Tampa Internet Drug Crimes And Illegal Prescriptions Attorneys

Our Tampa internet drug crimes attorneys represent individuals charged with obtaining prescription drugs illegally by methods such as:

  • Stealing a prescription pad
  • Altering prescriptions
  • Stealing another person’s prescription
  • Creating fake prescriptions
  • Impersonating a physician
  • Doctor shopping

In addition, we represent doctors and pharmacists charged with writing and filling illegal prescriptions online. This can include:

  • Distributing drugs without legitimate prescriptions
  • Prescribing drugs online without examining patients

Medical professionals convicted of a prescription drug crime can lose their licenses to practice in addition to facing penalties such as fines and prison terms. Our firm serves individuals throughout Florida.

Defending Against Entrapment

Law enforcement frequently uses sting operations to break up pill mill schemes. Police officers and detectives will pose undercover and attempt to sell or purchase prescription pills from people. There is a fine line between police work and entrapment. Law enforcement officials cross the line when they induce you to break the law through tactics, promises or other persuasive techniques.

Our prescription drug defense lawyers will investigate your case thoroughly, including the evidence against you and the circumstances surrounding your arrest. If you were a victim of police entrapment, we will fight to have the charges against you dismissed or the evidence suppressed.

Helping With Diversion

Many of our clients are battling addiction. Frequently, our clients became addicted to prescription medication after being prescribed a heavily addictive pharmaceutical, such as oxycodone or OxyContin, to combat chronic pain or anxiety. We believe there is a better place for addicts than jail. If you have never been charged with a prescription drug crime, you may be eligible to take part in Florida’s diversion program through state drug courts.

Diversion enables individuals to obtain the treatment they need first; then, through a series of accountability measures, works people out of the court system and back into their lives. Fortunately, Florida is increasingly examining prescription drug abuse as a public health issue rather than a criminal issue, and there is growing support for utilizing diversion as an alternative to jail.

Florida State And Federal Drug Crime Attorney

If you would like to schedule a complimentary initial consultation with one of our federal and state prescription drug crime lawyers, contact our firm online or call us in Tampa at 813-440-2347, en Español at 813-390-2494 or in Orlando at 407-305-4585.