Pensacola Prescription Drug Crime Lawyer

Criminal Defense in the Florida Panhandle

Under Florida law, the possession of certain drugs or medicines without a prescription is unlawful.  While most of us relate drug crimes to street drugs such as cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine, prescription drug crimes are a growing phenomenon in our state and the country. Thus, they are aggressively investigated by law enforcement and forcefully prosecuted by the courts. 

If you are facing misdemeanor or felony prescription drug charges or are under an investigation by law enforcement related to these potential charges, you should seek help at Michael J. Griffith, P.A. Our attorney is well known and widely respected throughout the Panhandle region for his high level of professionalism and client service. With close to 50 years of experience that has led to major positive results for countless Floridians, you can rely on our diligence, honed legal skills, and dedication to outstanding representation.

Talk to our Pensacola prescription drug crime attorney about the specifics of your case in a free evaluation. Contact Michael J. Griffith, P.A. via our consultation request form or at (850) 495-7977. 

Prescription Drug Crimes in Florida

Prescription drugs are regulated and classified under the same schedule of controlled substances as street drugs per Florida law. They are then charged and penalized according to the schedule under which they fall.

Examples of these drugs include Adderall, Xanax, Vicodin, OxyContin, Valium, morphine, opium, and more. You can be charged and penalized for the same crimes involving these substances as for those related to street drugs, such as:

• Possession without an authorized prescription
• Possession with the intent to sell
• Sale or distribution
• Manufacturing
• Trafficking

You can not only face charges for possession of such drugs but you can also face separate fraud charges for obtaining them illegally. 

Possession of prescription drugs for your own use in a first offense may be charged as a misdemeanor carrying up to 60 days in jail, a fine of up to $500, and six months of probation. However, possession with the  “intent to sell, dispense, or deliver” such drugs is a felony that is generally subject to a mandatory minimum prison sentence. Fines and prison terms will depend on the quantity of drugs related to your case. Prison terms can range from three years, 15  years, and 25 years, up to life in prison. Fines can range from $50,000 to $100,000 up to $500,000. 

Because of the severe consequences related to prescription drug offenses, it is vital to have a proven criminal defense lawyer on your side as soon as possible. The sooner you bring in our skilled attorney, the better he can protect your interests, ensure proper procedures are followed, and help you avoid making unintended mistakes. We can then begin conducting our own investigation into the matter to build a defense designed to help you avoid or minimize criminal penalties.