Switch to ADA Accessible Theme
Close Menu
Tampa Car Accident Lawyer
FREE Consultations Available
813-217-5715
TAMPA
Tampa Car Accident Lawyers > Blog > Drug Crimes > Obtaining a Prescription May Not Eliminate the Possibility of Facing Florida Drug Crime Charges

Obtaining a Prescription May Not Eliminate the Possibility of Facing Florida Drug Crime Charges

You may assume that only doctors can face criminal charges when they prescribe controlled substances without making sure they do not duplicate prescriptions from other medical providers. However, Florida has specific doctor shopping laws that hold patients accountable for this act — and those patients can potentially face felony charges.

Doctor shopping is a common practice in Florida in which patients stock up on prescription drugs such as oxycodone, Valium and Xanax by visiting multiple doctors with medical complaints. Doctors may not always be aware that a patient is doctor-shopping, so Florida instituted a specific statute to address the problem. Informally known as the doctor shopping statute, the law requires patients to notify doctors if they received a prescription for a controlled substance from another practitioner within the previous 30 days.

Of course, not all charges of doctor shopping turn into drug-crime convictions. The average patient may not be aware of the notification requirements and may see more than one physician for several valid reasons, including the following:

  • The patient may visit different specialists to address different medical conditions, receiving prescriptions from each provider.
  • An out-of-state visitor may have forgotten to pack legal prescriptions and legitimately need help for pain or other concerns during a vacation.
  • The patient may have properly disclosed current prescriptions in writing before seeing a doctor who failed to review the information prior to prescribing.

Regardless of your reasons for obtaining prescriptions from more than one doctor, you can face serious criminal prosecution. Even if you know you are innocent of all charges, never assume you can help your case by discussing it with law enforcement officials. Take full advantage of your Miranda rights by stating that you want to remain silent. Immediately thereafter, contact a Florida criminal defense attorney with experience in drug crimes to help protect your rights and your freedom.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

The experience you need in your pursuit of justice

The greatest distinguishing feature among attorneys is their level of experience. Our firm has more than 60 years of legal experience, much of it spent in the courtroom at trial. As a result, our Tampa personal injury lawyers rarely encounter an unfamiliar situation and can thoroughly answer your urgent questions. Our criminal defense practice features a board certified criminal trial lawyer and two former prosecutors with impressive knowledge of trial tactics and procedures.

The resources to provide quality representation for the length of your case

Whether your case involves medical malpractice, an auto accident or a wrongful death, your attorney must be prepared to take the case all the way through trial to verdict. Many personal injury attorneys advance the cost of litigation, so they can only last so long before financial pressures start to mount. As a client, you have to wonder whether an attorney's advice to settle your case reflects the quality of the offer or your attorneys need to get paid. Fortunately, The Matassini Law Firm has the resources to pursue civil verdicts and settlements that reflect the actual value of your case.

Call our Tampa Bay car accident lawyers for a free consultation

A crisis in your life calls for capable and compassionate assistance. The Matassini Law Firm, P.A. addresses your needs all the way through the legal process. For your free initial confidential conference with one of our Tampa car accident attorneys, call us today at 813-217-5715 or contact us online.

Share This Page:
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
888-377-0011
Toll Free
813-217-5715
Tampa
2811 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, Florida 33609
GET DRIVING DIRECTIONS
+