Pasco County Prescription Drug Crimes Lawyer

Prescription drug crimes are a growing concern in Florida, with strict state and federal laws aimed at curbing illegal activity involving controlled substances. If you are facing charges related to prescription drugs, you need an experienced and knowledgeable defense attorney to protect your rights. At Athanaselos & Associates, P.A., our Pasco County prescription drug crimes lawyer provides skilled legal representation for individuals accused of prescription drug offenses throughout the Tampa Bay area. Contact us today for immediate assistance to put yourself in the best position for a positive outcome.

Common Prescription Drug Charges

Florida law categorizes many prescription medications as controlled substances. Misuse, illegal distribution, or possession without a valid prescription can result in criminal charges. Common prescription drug crimes include:

Possession Without a Prescription: Having prescription drugs without a valid prescription is illegal under Florida Statute § 893.13.
Doctor Shopping: Visiting multiple doctors to obtain multiple prescriptions for the same medication is a crime under Florida Statute § 893.13(7)(a)8.
Prescription Fraud: Altering, forging, or using fraudulent prescriptions to acquire medication is a violation of Florida law.
Trafficking or Distribution: Selling or distributing prescription drugs, particularly opioids like oxycodone or hydrocodone, can lead to severe felony charges.
Possession with Intent to Distribute: Possessing large quantities of prescription drugs may result in charges of intent to distribute, even if no sale has occurred.

Penalties for Prescription Drug Offenses

The consequences of a prescription drug conviction in Florida depend on the type of drug, the amount in question, and the nature of the offense. Penalties can include fines ranging from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of dollars, along with incarceration sentences amounting to years or decades in prison. Healthcare professionals convicted of prescription fraud or trafficking can lose their medical license, and anyone convicted of a felony offense will be left with a permanent criminal record that can impact their ability to find employment or housing.

Florida’s drug trafficking laws are particularly strict. Trafficking in controlled substances such as oxycodone or hydrocodone often carries mandatory minimum prison sentences and substantial fines.

Defenses Against Prescription Drug Charges in Pasco County

At Athanaselos & Associates, P.A., we understand that prescription drug charges are serious and complicated, but we also know there are legal defenses that may apply to your case. These include, for example:

Lack of Knowledge: Demonstrating you lacked the requisite knowledge or criminal intent to have committed the charged offense.
Valid Prescription: Proving the medication was legally prescribed by a licensed medical professional.
Unlawful Search and Seizure: Challenging the legality of the evidence obtained by law enforcement.
Entrapment: Showing that law enforcement induced you to commit the offense.

Our team thoroughly investigates the circumstances of your case, evaluates the evidence, and builds a strong defense tailored to your situation.

Why Choose Athanaselos & Associates, P.A.?

At Athanaselos & Associates, P.A., we provide personalized legal services and an aggressive defense for individuals charged with prescription drug crimes. Attorney John Athanaselos has extensive experience handling complex criminal cases, including drug-related offenses. We meticulously review every detail of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments. From negotiating plea agreements to fighting for acquittals in court, we craft a strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact a Pasco County Drug Crime Defense Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been charged with a prescription drug crime in Pasco County, don’t wait to seek legal help. At Athanaselos & Associates, P.A., we are committed to protecting your rights and freedom. Call us today at 727-810-8405 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. Let our Pasco County prescription drug crime defense lawyer guide you through the legal system as we build a robust defense to achieve the best possible resolution for your case.