Opioid medication is powerful. There are numerous synthetic opioid pain relievers that have helped reduce the cost of pain management and make medication more accessible to the public. Long gone are the days of opiate shortages that leave people without the pain relief they require after surgery or while dealing with major medical issues.
Unfortunately, the potency and accessibility of opioid medications have contributed to a significant uptick in reported cases of prescription medication abuse. Researchers estimate that between 3 and 12% of patients prescribed opioids become dependent. In 2023, roughly 8.6 million people in the United States admitted to the abuse of prescription opioids.
Those accused of committing drug crimes with prescription medications may need help responding to their charges to avoid life-altering convictions. What options do people have when they’re facing prescription drug charges?
Mounting a rigorous defense strategy
Maybe a police officer conducted an inappropriate stop-and-frisk search without any real justification. Perhaps police officers found medication in a vehicle or in a shared dwelling unit and made assumptions about who actually possessed and controlled the drugs. Many prescription drug defendants can potentially avoid a conviction if they take the case to trial. They may need the help of an attorney to develop an effective criminal defense strategy.
Seeking drug court adjudication
Florida has multiple adult drug treatment courts in different jurisdictions. These courts serve as an alternative to traditional criminal proceedings. Drug court cases focus on rehabilitation, court oversight and treatment, rather than punishment. The drug courts can be a viable alternative that can protect people from the worst criminal penalties and may even allow them to avoid a lifetime criminal record in some cases.
Negotiating a plea bargain
Prosecutors are often eager to negotiate with defense attorneys representing people accused of breaking the law. Establishing a plea bargain helps the prosecutor maintain a high conviction rate and control the cost of securing a conviction. Particularly in scenarios where defendants can potentially provide insight into the unregulated market by disclosing how they accessed medication without a prescription, prosecutors may be willing to reduce their charges or eliminate certain penalties as part of a plea bargain.
People facing prescription drug charges often need support rather than punishment. Discussing a situation that led to pending drug charges with a skilled legal team can help defendants choose the most effective response given their circumstances.
