South Florida has long been renowned as a hotspot for prescription medication addiction. Communities across the state are seeing a large increase in prescription medicine found in homes and on the streets. These addictions can result in charges of drug possession and possibly even prescription medication trafficking charges.
It is illegal in Florida to possess prescription pills or other medications without a valid prescription. This implies that even if a family member provides you pain medicine for a toothache, it is still illegal. If a person is caught with a significant amount of prescription pills but no legal prescriptions, they may face drug trafficking charges.
West Palm Beach Prescription Medication Trafficking Lawyer
If you have been arrested for prescription drug trafficking, it is vital that you understand your legal alternatives. Prescription drug offenses are aggressively punished in Florida, and the penalties may be life-changing. If you or a loved one is facing drug charges in West Palm Beach, contact an experienced prescription medicine trafficking defense attorney as soon as possible.
What is Prescription Drug Trafficking?
The illicit sale, procurement, production, transport, or knowing possession of a particular number of prescription medications are referred to as prescription drug trafficking. This is also known as prescription medication trading or pill trafficking.
Prescription pharmaceuticals are medications that are controlled by the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, and must be obtained with a prescription from a doctor of medicine. Prescription medicines that are commonly associated with high rates of addiction and trafficking include:
Opioids
- Fentanyl (Duragesic)
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Oxycodone (OxyContin)
- Oxymorphone (Darvon)
- Hydromorphone (Dilaudid)
- Meperidine (Demerol)
- Diphenoxylate (Lomotil)
- Morphine Sulfate
Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
- Pentobarbital sodium (Nembutal)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Zolpidem Tartrate (Ambien)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
Stimulants
- Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta)
- Amphetamines (Adderall)
Florida Laws and Penalties for Prescription Drug Trafficking
Section 499.03 of the Florida Statutes criminalizes prescription drug offenses. This section states that you cannot lawfully possess any prescription medicine unless you have a valid prescription from a registered practitioner. Illegally having a prescription medicine is a misdemeanor of the second degree under Section 499.03(3), punishable by up to 60 days in prison, a fine not to exceed $500, or both. If you unlawfully possess a prescription medicine with the purpose to sell, distribute, or deliver the drug, you commit a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine not to exceed $5,000, or both.
Can I Be Arrested For Drug Trafficking If I Have A Prescription?
For example, if the average doctor-prescribed prescription contains more than four grams of Oxycodone, giving even a single pill to a family member or friend is a major criminal offense in Florida. The term "deliver" appears in the legislation alongside the words "sell," "buy," and "transport." Remember, just one pill might lead to felony drug charges. In Florida, the laws regarding other prescription medicines are identical. Even if you have good intentions, never give your prescription pills out since you could be charged with drug trafficking if caught.
Contact Our Experienced West Palm Beach Prescription Drug Trafficking Attorney
If you or a loved one have been charged with drug possession or trafficking, you may be facing serious criminal consequences which can result in hefty jail time, fines, and a stain on your criminal record. It is critical to contact an expert West Palm Beach drug possession and drug trafficking lawyer as soon as possible.
