In Florida and across the country, the “Opioid Crisis” is raging. Drugs such as fentanyl and oxycodone are prescribed legitimately by physicians to treat patients with severe pain management issues. But these highly addictive drugs have become popular alternatives to heroin, which in turn has led to a huge demand for opioids outside of their intended medical uses. Many users who cannot get these drugs through prescriptions now buy them on the black market. Trafficking and distributing opioids has become a huge illicit industry.

Tough federal and state laws have been enacted to police this epidemic and to ward off its detrimental effects across society. Addicts often die of accidental overdose. Many also commit crimes such as robbery or burglary to raise money to support their addiction. Addicts often destroy their own lives and ruin their families as a result of criminal or otherwise anti-social behavior. Even those not directly affected by opiates suffer consequences. Crime rates and insurance costs have risen due in part to the opioid crisis. The burdens upon individuals and society in general are enormous.

The various statutes enacted at the federal and state levels impose stiff criminal penalties for illegal distribution of opioids, whether by pharmaceutical suppliers or by private individuals. For example, under federal law an individual who illegally sells even a small amount of opiates can face up to 20 years in prison and significant fines. In addition, the federal government often seeks criminal charges for related offenses such as money laundering or tax evasion. These are also very serious crimes with severe penalties. Given the gravity of drug distribution charges, individuals facing them should immediately seek the advice and counsel of an experienced criminal lawyer.

State laws, including those in Florida, also punish illegal opioid distribution harshly. In fact, a bill pending in the Florida legislature would make the penalties for drug trafficking more severe if a drug distributor’s customer dies as a result of an overdose of that drug. The proposed law would allow the state to charge the distributor with murder in the first degree. This represents a significant departure from existing law, under which there is no legally recognized causal connection between distributing drugs and a recipient’s death by overdose. The proposed statute underscores the importance that governments have put on policing illegal drug distribution and the need for the best possible legal defense for anyone suspected of such conduct.

If you or a family member have been charged or are under investigation for drug offenses, The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. in Orlando is ready to provide effective legal assistance. Mr. Yates will diligently protect your rights and will work toward achieving the most favorable outcome possible. Please contact the office online or call 407-608-7777 for an initial consultation.