How does this happen?
Many times, local people find themselves defending themselves for driving while taking pain medication even when it is prescribed. Many of these same people have to take pain medication due to injuries received during a traffic accident and they find they can no longer function without them. Some of these painkillers are very addictive and include medications like Darvocet, Percocet, Hydrocodone, and Oxycontin and when taken over a long period of time will cause serious side effects. Doctors understand this and start weaning their patients off the drug but due to the person still having pain, they end up seeking out other ways of getting the painkiller that works. It is when they are caught driving while taking these illegally obtained drugs that the problems occur.
Criminal Charges
Criminal charges can vary depending on the circumstances and include possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, or obtaining a controlled substance by fraud, but these are mild compared to charges, which could be much worse. Depending on the amount of painkillers the person is carrying, the charges may include “trafficking” or “selling” a controlled substance and it does not matter whether you intended to sell or not, the charges may still be a conviction. If found guilty and convicted, the penalties in the state of Florida for getting caught in possession of painkillers may end you up in jail or prison for as little as 3 years or as much as 25 years.
The Consequences
The state of Florida takes their drug crimes very seriously and can even involve felony charges that could follow you around for the rest of your life. Besides jail or prison time, you may also have to face going to probation for 1 to 5 years, along with paying a steep fine as well as court cost and counseling. In addition, you may have to do community service not to mention the possibility of lost jobs or not being able to get a job due to your criminal past. Not only will getting a job be difficult but even volunteering for different groups will be hard.
Is Legal Help Available?
Legal help is absolutely available for all Florida residents who have been charged with driving under the influence of painkillers through a Jacksonville criminal defense lawyer such as James Davis. James Davis believes there are always unique circumstances in every case and depending on how and why the painkillers were obtained, there are usually several solid defenses, which may be used but without the help of a legal professional, you may find yourself at the mercy of the courts.
