In part two of the four-part series “Drug charges in Florida”, we talk about “doctor shopping” and “pill mills” and their rapid growth in Florida.

Have Drugs Crimes Become An Issue Recently?

While drugs offenses have always carried serious penalties, the “war on drugs” starting in the ‘70s and ‘80s have greatly increased prison penalties for many drugs.  Unlike cocaine or heroin, some drugs like oxycodone have legitimate medical purposes although they are highly addictive and highly regulated.

Where Does The Pill Mill Fall On That Scale?

So called “Pill mill” drugs like Oxycodone are found under Florida Statute 893.03 and the vast majority of them are schedule 2 drugs. This means that if the person basically had even one pill without a valid doctor’s prescription, it would be considered a third-degree felony which could be up to 5 years in prison.

How Is Doctor Shopping Punishable?

“Doctor shopping”, or going to multiple doctors for the purpose of receiving prescription drugs, forged doctor’s prescriptions, prescription fraud among other offenses, the punishment would range anywhere from a second degree misdemeanor to serious felonies.

What Does Doctor Shopping Refer To?

This would refer to the patient hiding an injury, or going to one doctor’s office and not telling the doctor they were being treated from another doctor, and then begging for pills and then going to another doctor’s office and doing the same thing.

Are Doctor Shopping Cases Becoming More Common?

This definitely used to be a problem, but recently the State of Florida and the Gulf Coast, in particular, have been doing some crackdowns, and although it is still a problem, it is not nearly as bad as it used to be up until a few years ago.

For more information on Prescription Drug Crimes , a free initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you’re seeking by  clicking on the contact button or by calling (727) 286-6141 today.

Have you or a loved one been arrested for doctor shopping or possession of a controlled substance?  Then call the Pinellas County drug defense lawyers at Blake & Dorsten, P.A. today.  These former prosecutors are experienced trial attorneys.

Blake & Dorsten, P.A. handles all criminal and personal injury cases along the gulf coast of Florida including Saint Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa Bay, Bradenton, Sarasota, New Port Richey, Dade City, Largo, Seminole, Pinellas Park, Carillon, Safey Harbor, Gulfport, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs and Oldsmar.

To speak directly to your Saint Petersburg criminal defense attorney, click on the contact button or call them at 727.286.6141.  Blake & Dorsten, P.A…when your case matters!