Patients, pharmacies, doctors and pharmacists may find themselves facing charges of prescription fraud, which can occur in many ways. In Florida prosecutors and law enforcement are particularly tough when it comes to all types of drug crimes. Cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine - all of these drugs are dangerous and illegal; however prescription drugs can be just as lethal and leave you facing criminal charges. At Adams, Luka, & Benton our Orlando drug crime lawyers are skilled, knowledgeable, and have the experience to provide our clients with a vigorous and effective defense. We also provide the legal guidance to help you navigate a complex and often frightening criminal process.
What is Prescription Drug Fraud?As mentioned above, prescription fraud includes various forms. These may include:
Common prescription fraud offenses involving doctors also include improper documentation of a patient's history, not paying attention to potential addiction risks in patients, over-prescribing drugs, or failing to learn if a patient may be involved in "doctor shopping" by checking his or her medical/patient records.
Some of the most common drugs involved in prescription fraud include Vicodin, Percocet, Xanax, OxyContin and Valium.
Penalties for Prescription Fraud in FloridaThe penalties for prescription drug fraud in Orlando and throughout Florida depend on several factors, including whether an individual was in possession of a controlled substance illegally (a third-degree felony) or a person is trafficking in prescription drugs.
If found guilty of possession of a prescription drug unlawfully, you may face fines of as much as $5,000 along with a maximum of five (5) years in prison. Depending on the amount of a drug in your possession (for example, more than four grams of Oxycodone without a valid prescription) you may be charged with drug trafficking. This is a more serious offense with penalties that vary depending on the type of prescription drug and amount in a person's possession. Regardless of the alleged offense, punishment can result in substantial fines, years of imprisonment, a permanent criminal record and even loss of a professional license. The consequences are often life-changing.
Contact Adams, Luka, & Benton Now for Drug Related CrimesWhen you have been accused of prescription drug fraud it is critical to consult with an experienced and qualified Orlando prescription drug fraud lawyer right away. Your freedom and future are at stake, however there are viable defenses that may be effective in fighting the charges and maintaining your freedom and reputation. We urge you to take action now. Contact Adams, Luka, & Benton immediately for a free consultation.
I would like thank my attorney Thomas Luka. I knew from the beginning I had the right guy in my corner. While celebrating with family and friends at a Public Park in Seminole County, a fight broke out among various people. Myself, and a good friend, broke up the fight and the instigators left. Six months later, I was wrongly accused as the person who started the fight. The first attorney I hired could not even get a response from the State Attorney handling the case. Someone referred me to Tom and I felt comfortable at his demeanor and reactions.
After conversations with Tom, who knew I would settle for nothing less than a FULL DISMISSAL due to my innocence, I hired him. His firm Adams, Luka, & Benton did the due diligence by interviewing witnesses and the police who were on the scene, as well as starting a dialogue with the State Attorney. After gathering statements from witnesses, Tom was able to present a strong argument on my behalf to the State Attorney on why the case should be dismissed. If the State Attorney was not willing to dismiss the case, Tom was ready to take the case to trial.
The result by Thomas Luka: Case Dismissed.
I am 53 years old with a spotless record and glad to keep it that way thanks to the time, effort, hard work, and professionalism of Adams, Luka, & Benton.