Why Tampa, Florida Prosecutors Take Prescription Drug Charges Seriously

This is the next post in my series on the handling of prescription drug charges in Tampa, Florida. My last article discussed how search and seizure issues impact prescription drug charges. It is important to understand that it may be possible to gain a dismissal if it can be shown that law enforcement found pills through the violation of a defendant’s rights. It is important that you retain an attorney who is experienced in such matters in order to ensure that your rights remain fully protected. In this article I will discuss why prosecutors take prescription drug cases very seriously. If you or a loved one have been arrested then contact my office today to speak with a criminal defense lawyer.

Prescription Drug crimes are a fast growing concern for the people of Florida. Law enforcement agencies and assistant state attorneys are pushed to the limits by local communities in Tampa, Florida to crack down on prescription drug offenses.

Today’s news stories are full of reports about America’s “opioid epidemic”. A substantial portion of addiction issues stem from prescription drug abuse. Due to the nature of the situation, throughout the US, there is substantial pressure on prosecutors to make sure that those who illegally possess pills, and those who illegally distribute them, face appropriate charges. This is why those who possess such narcotics, without a valid prescription, may face misdemeanor or even felony charges.

The strict laws over the possession of prescribed drugs in Florida allow overambitious prosecutors to pursue a drug trafficking charge against a person caught with even a small amount of the medication. The issue is with the term “trafficking”. It is not defined in the Florida Statute section but it means trading or dealing. And it is extremely harsh to charge a person for a serious crime, such as drug trafficking, just because they bought a bottle of pain medication without a valid prescription.

Many make the mistake of thinking that possessing such drugs is “not a big deal.” Such individuals may reason that the narcotics cannot be too serious of an issue if, after all, a doctor can prescribe them. Also, when you take into account the fact that many states have begun to legalize and decriminalize marijuana, it becomes understandable that defendants may not expect the serious nature with which prosecutors address these kinds of cases.

Therefore, you have to be extra-vigilant over what prescribed drugs you use and that you have a proper prescription with you at all times.

Having one of the harshest legislation on prescribed drugs can make it a very daunting offense in Florida but that does not mean all hope is lost. A seasoned criminal defense attorney can make strong legal arguments for you in court to defend against an irrational prosecution.

Defendants can be surprised when they arrive at court and realize that, in fact, they are facing incarceration and other serious consequences. It is important that you take charges seriously and that you take all possible steps to ensure that your rights remain protected.

One of the first steps an accused person should take is to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney. The sooner counsel is retained then the sooner he or she will begin to investigate the facts of your arrest. This, in turn, provides your representative with a greater opportunity to adequately defend you. Do not make the mistake of thinking that your charge is minor.

I am a Tampa lawyer handling prescription drug charges. I will use your initial consultation to help you understand what it is you should expect from the process. I will then take immediate steps to begin building a defense on your behalf. Contact my office today.

Omar also serves clients in Bradenton, Brandon, Clearwater, Lakeland, Largo, Palm Harbor, Sarasota, Spring Hill, St. Petersburg and Tampa.