Tampa Prescription Drug Crimes

Experienced Prescription Drug Crime Defense Lawyer in Tampa

When most people think of drug crimes, they think of illegal street drugs, such as cocaine or heroin. However, prescription drug crimes are one of the most commonly prosecuted types of drug-related offenses in Florida. Unlawful possession, sale, or manufacturing of prescription drugs comes with lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines, and in some cases, could end your career. 

Prescription drugs are covered under state and federal drug laws. These are regulated and subject to the same classification system, charges, and penalties as illegal narcotics. A defendant may face charges for the unlawful possession, possession with intent, sale, distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking of prescription drugs.

At The Law Offices of Jeff Paulk, we are dedicated to protecting our clients’ rights in all types of Florida prescription drug crime charges, including those involving:

• OxyContin
• Hydrocodone
• Vicodin
• Oxycodone
• Xanax
• Codeine

As prescription medications are controlled substances, a person may face felony charges if found to be in possession of one or more of these drugs without a prescription. A person may also face criminal charges for prescription fraud, which involves committing fraud to obtain a prescription. 

Types of Prescription Drug Offenses in Florida

Prescription drug crimes are criminalized under Section 499.03 of the Florida Statutes. Under this section, you cannot legally possess any prescription drug unless you obtained it through a valid prescription from a licensed practitioner. 

Under Sec. 499.03(3), illegally possessing a prescription drug is a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable by up to 60 days in jail or by a fine not to exceed $500 or both. If you illegally possess a prescription drug with the intent to sell, dispense, or deliver the drug, you commit a felony of the third degree, punishable by up to five years in prison and by a fine not to exceed $5,000 or by a fine and imprisonment.

Florida’s Harsh Penalties for Prescription Drug Offenses

Florida has earned a reputation for having some of the harshest drug crime laws and penalties in the United States. Notably, Florida lags when it comes to the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana—something many states have done to reduce stress on the justice system. 

Prescription drug crimes carry heavy penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences, even when they involve small amounts of an illegal substance. This is partially because of the weight of prescription drugs. A pill might only have a small percentage of its weight be from a controlled substance, with the rest being added by inert substances or “fillers.” As a result, even a few pills could trigger serious drug crime charges.

Proven Defense Lawyer for Prescription Drug Charges

If you're facing criminal charges for illegally possessing a prescription drug or for trying to sell prescription drugs on the street, contact The Law Offices of Jeff Paulk right away to set up a consultation with our Tampa prescription drug crime attorney. As a former prosecutor with more than 20 years of legal experience, Jeff Paulk is prepared to build a targeted, strategic defense on your behalf. Our firm fights tirelessly for the rights of the accused, working hard to keep you out of jail and your reputation intact.

Protect your future and your freedom. Contact our Tampa prescription drug crime defense lawyer at (813) 321-7323 today.