If you have been accused of a prescription drug crime, are under investigation, and facing criminal charges, The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A. can help. Prescription drugs are controlled substances. Since the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program began in 2009, prescription drug use is more regulated and strictly enforced. This includes the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of prescription drugs. Prescription drugs can only be used and possessed by the individual who has a valid prescription. A prescription drug crime means being in possession of a controlled substance that you don’t have a valid prescription for. If you are convicted of a prescription drug crime, you may face harsh penalties that disrupt your life.
If you have been accused of a prescription drug crime and are facing criminal charges, you need a criminal defense attorney that can advocate for you and ensure that you have a fair trial. The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A. can help defend your rights and ensure that your side of the story is told in any criminal proceedings. Contact out Stuart offices today at 772-220-4400 to learn more about how we can help you.
Why Do I Need an Attorney?
When you are charged with any type of crime, especially a more serious prescription drug crime, you will be up against a team of prosecutors that represent the state in the case against you. Their job is to prove your guilt. The state employs skilled and aggressive legal professionals that have experience handling cases much like yours. They are knowledgeable about the law and how to get the outcome they want. If you are unfamiliar with the law and unsure of how to mount a compelling defense, you are much more likely to be convicted and sentenced to the harshest penalties. This is why it is vital that you hire an attorney to advocate for you and defend your rights.
The state will have to prove certain elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. An attorney will be able to come up with possible defenses and the best strategy to handle your case. Possible defenses include proof from your doctor that you have a valid prescription, proof that evidence was improperly obtained (police violation of fourth amendment rights with an unlawful search and seizure), or proof of no actual or constructive possession of the drug because it was not on your person or within your reach.
In the United States, defendants have the presumption of innocence. You are innocent until proven guilty. You need a lawyer that knows the law and can prevent the other side from proving your guilt. Having a defense lawyer could mean the difference between freedom or imprisonment.
Why Choose The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A.?
Attorney David Golden has been practicing law for over 20 years. He is a dedicated criminal defense attorney that has successfully defended clients like you before. He has a reputation for providing effective, aggressive, and strategic legal representation. We understand the impact a prescription drug crime charge can have on your life. Mr. Golden will fight to protect your rights and get your charges reduced or even dismissed. To get the best outcome in your case, trust an attorney that has been named as one of the top 20 lawyers in the area.
Cases We Handle
The drug crimes that you can be charged with can relate to possession or distribution. Some of these crimes include:
- Possession of prescription drugs without a valid prescription: It is illegal for anyone to possess a prescribed drug without lawfully obtaining it from a licensed medical practitioner through a valid prescription. Penalties can be even harsher if you are caught crossing state lines while in possession of prescription drugs without a valid prescription.
- Giving/selling prescription drugs: If you are caught selling prescription drugs and you are not licensed to legally sell prescription drugs, you can be convicted of a crime. If you have a valid license and are selling the drugs that are being lawfully prescribed to you, that is also a crime.
- Possession with intent to sell: If you are caught in possession of a certain large amount of prescription drugs, you will likely be charged not only for possession of a controlled substance but also with intent to sell the prescription drug illegally.
- Trafficking, trading, or dealing prescription drugs: Dealing prescription drugs or illegally selling them on a large scale can mean getting a trafficking charge. Drug trafficking is the intentional sale, purchase, manufacture, delivery, possession, or transportation of a large amount of a controlled substance.
- Prescription fraud: If you misrepresent yourself to a pharmacist or a doctor, or if you are a medical practitioner who prescribes controlled substances without a legitimate purpose, this is a crime.
- Doctor shopping: Going to various doctors within the same 30-day period to get multiple prescriptions of the same or similar drugs is illegal.
Regardless of the type of crime that you are being accused of, you need the best legal representation on your side. Being convicted of a prescription drug crime will lead to very serious consequences that will affect your life long-term.
Prescription Drug Crime Conviction Consequences
Because controlled substances can have serious side effects and are highly addictive, they are heavily regulated. Prescription drug crime laws are strictly enforced and may lead to penalties including:
- Jail Time: There are often mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes. Depending on the type of crime you have been convicted of and the severity, you may have to serve a substantial amount of jail time.
- Fines: You may be ordered to pay a certain amount of money in court costs or restitution for any harm you have caused.
- Probation: If you are convicted of a less serious crime, you may be subjected to a period of monitoring for good behavior. This can include having to abstain from using controlled substances, random urinalysis tests, probation costs, or other conditions of probation.
- Mandatory Counseling Classes: In the hopes of rehabilitation, you may be required to attend educational courses.
- Permanent criminal record: If you are convicted of a prescription drug crime there will be serious consequences moving forward. You may not be qualified to get certain jobs if they relate to medicine. If you are a medical practitioner that has committed this crime, you may permanently lose your license to practice medicine, which will affect how you support yourself and your family.
If you have been charged with a prescription drug charge in Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Hobe Sound, Hutchinson Island, Sewall’s Point, Port Salerno, Jupiter, Tequesta, Indiantown, or any part of Martin County, ensure the best outcome for your case and avoid as many negative consequences as possible by having an attorney represent you. Contact The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A. for help today.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one have been charged with a prescription drug crime, contact the Stuart legal team from The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A. today. Being convicted can have devastating effects on your life. Don’t gamble with your freedom and your future. We are available 24/7, and we are dedicated to each and every client’s case. We understand that things can happen at the most unexpected times. That’s why we strive to be available whenever you may need help. Call us today at 772-220-4400 to schedule your free case evaluation and learn about your rights and your options moving forward.