West Palm Beach Prescription Drug Fraud and Doctor Shopping Attorney David W. Olson
Just a few years ago Florida was known as the pill mill capital of the world. This developed over a period of years, particularly from the 1990’s until about 2011 and 2012. At one point there were hundreds of pain clinics in the South Florida area alone. An enormous amount of narcotic medication was prescribed and sold directly from doctors’ offices. As a result, many innocent people became addicted to painkillers and other highly addictive medications.
Most of the pain management clinics were closed after new laws were passed that prohibited the sale of drugs from doctors’ offices. Many doctors lost their medical licenses and some were prosecuted for allegedly violating prescription and trafficking laws. However, those who suffered the most were the abandoned addicted patients. For one reason or another, many could not find new doctors. As a result, some patients resorted to obtaining medication wherever they could find it – family, friends, strangers, dealers, etc. As well, other former patients resorted to obtaining medication through prescription fraud.
If you were arrested for prescription fraud, doctor shopping or another drug charge, it is absolutely crucial to hire an experienced and highly effective criminal defense attorney who is intimately familiar with Florida’s drug laws and who has a successful track record defending clients charged with similar cases. There simply is no substitute for an experienced drug defense lawyer, especially when a client’s future and freedom are potentially on the line. Attorney David W. Olson has represented thousands of clients over the past 33 years, including those charged with virtually every conceivable drug crime. Attorney Olson offers a free, confidential case review.
Florida Drug Fraud, Prescription Fraud and Doctor Shopping
Some of the controlled substances that have often been the subject of prescription fraud and doctor shopping include, but are not limited to the following:
- Oxycodone, oxycontin
- Percoset
- Hydrocodone
- Dilaudid
- Morphine
- Fentanyl
- Methadone
- Codeine
- Valium
- Xanax
- Adderall
- Ritalin
- Many others
Florida’s drug laws are extremely severe. Chapter 893, Florida States, “Drug Abuse Prevention and Control,” proscribes the numerous prohibited acts and penalties pertaining to drug offenses. For purposes of this article, a few of the relevant subsections reveal the following:
- 893.13(1)(a) “…a person may not sell, manufacture, or deliver, a controlled substance…”
- Under 893.13 and subsequent subsections:
- It is illegal to “Possess a prescription form unless it has been signed by the practitioner whose name appears thereon.”
- It is illegal to withhold information from a doctor when seeking a controlled substance that s/he has received a prescription from another doctor within the past 30 days. When an individual goes to more than one doctor within a 30 day period to obtain a controlled substance for which they already have a prescription, doctor shopping charges may potentially apply.
- It is illegal to affix a false or forged label on a prescription bottle.
- It is illegal to provide false information or withhold information to a prescriber.
- It is illegal to obtain a prescription by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, subterfuge, or concealment of a material fact (e.g., existing prescription)
- It is illegal for prescribers to write prescriptions in exchange for money, or to write for a fictitious person
The penalties vary considerably depending on the particular circumstances of the case. Generally, penalties increase as the quantity and weight of the controlled substances increase. Penalties may range from a first degree misdemeanor for cannabis offenses, to a first, second or third-degree felony for a controlled substance offense and may potentially include jail or prison and hundreds or thousands of dollars in fines.
The Law Offices of David W. Olson, West Palm Beach Drug Defense Attorney
If you were charged with prescription fraud, doctor shopping or any other drug offense, it is highly advisable to hire experienced legal counsel as early as possible. When your lawyer intervenes early in the case, he will be able to answer questions on your behalf and ensure that your legal rights are properly protected. In some instances, early intervention has resulted in case dismissals.
Attorney David W. Olson is on the Board of NORML, the organization that seeks to reform marijuana laws. He also attained the AV Preeminent Peer Rating – 5.0 out of 5.0 – for legal excellence and professionalism. David Olson was also chosen as a member of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by the National Trial Lawyers.Additionally, the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys awarded him with the “10 Best” award for client satisfaction.
Attorney Olson will always pursue the best possible results for each client. In many cases, charges have been dismissed or reduced. Alternatives to incarceration are always pursued. Drug diversion programs are a viable and desirable option for some clients. David truly believes that treatment should be provided to those accused of drug offenses, not incarceration.
Every client is kept abreast of the developments of his or her case. David Olson is available by phone and email. He personally responds to his clients calls and also has a 24-hour emergency contact number. Attorney Olson serves clients in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Miami and Miami-Dade County, as well as throughout the state. To schedule a complimentary case review, call The Law Offices of David W. Olson at 561-833-8866.
Source
Chapter 893, Florida Statutes (2014)
