Prescription Drug Crimes

Fought By Our Gainesville Drug Crimes Lawyers

The state of Florida takes drug crimes extremely seriously and prosecutes them as such. There is any number of prescription drug-related charges a person can face, including possession, fraud, trafficking, and more. If convicted of any of these offenses, you could face extensive jail or prison time, exorbitant fines, and mandatory probation. You need strong representation to fight these charges and protect your future.

At Dunham & Ingram, our drug crimes attorneys in Gainesville have decades of experience in defending individuals against prescription drug charges. As a result, we know the related laws, procedures, and paperwork better than the backs of our hands. Our legal team will effectively navigate you through the complex legal process and help you make well-informed decisions regarding your future. Trust us for the relentless counsel you deserve.

About Prescription Drug Charges in Florida

In Florida, it is illegal for an individual to possess a prescription drug without legal authorization, such as a valid prescription. This essentially means that you are not allowed to have a prescription from an unauthorized prescriber or have a prescription in another person’s name.

Possessing up to four grams of an opiate can result in a third-degree felony conviction, which may land you in prison for up to five years. Possessing any more than that can result in a first-degree felony, which may result in up to 30 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.

Possible defenses against charges of possession include:

• Law enforcement entrapment
• Illegal search and seizure conducted by police
• Valid prescription from a licensed medical professional
• Did not know that the drug was a controlled substance

Additionally, prosecutors frequently try to enhance charges of simple possession to possession with intent to sell. They do so to force a harsher plea deal and to intimidate you into accepting it. While possessing 5 oxycodone pills may result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 3 years in jail, possessing just 1 more could result in up to 25 years’ imprisonment.

You should also be aware that it is illegal to falsify information, pretend to be another individual, or lie in order to obtain a prescription. This is known as prescription fraud and it is prosecuted just as harshly, if not more so, as other drug-related offenses.