A doctor in Florida is under house arrest for writing false prescriptions. Detectives launched an investigation this spring following reports that the physician was writing illegitimate promethazine codeine syrup and oxycodone prescriptions. She was caught after prescribing the drugs to undercover officers without ever seeing, examining, or speaking with them.

The infectious disease specialist was on probation at the time of her arrest. Officials seized multiple prescription pads along with gold bars, jewelry, and $1.9 million in cash. The doctor was charged with three counts of trafficking codeine and three counts of trafficking oxycodone.

Prescription Drug Violations

Physicians are allowed to prescribe various types of medications to patients depending on their condition. They are strictly prohibited from prescribing medications that patients don't actually need. In some cases, medical licensing boards discover that doctors are prescribing unnecessary medications or selling drugs for personal profit. Licensing boards don't take these violations lightly; those found engaging in such activities are likely to see their license revoked.

The doctor in this case may see consequences compounded, solely based on the fact that she was on probation when arrested. Prescription drug fraud is taken incredibly seriously; even carrying a prescription drug for a friend or family member can result in criminal charges. Given the large scale of her alleged crimes, the doctor in question may be facing real time behind bars. As prosecutors around the country continue to crack down on illegal prescription writing, we are likely to see more cases like this one make headlines.

A Proactive Approach to Allegations

Learning you've been accused of selling illegal prescriptions can be disturbing. Healthcare professionals are held to high standards, and the launch of an investigation may mean having your actions publicly scrutinized. When dealing with such an investigation, it's important to be well prepared to fight potential criminal charges.

Working with a qualified license defense attorney with experience in criminal law means you may be able to prevent charges from being filed in the first place. When dealing with an investigation, having an experienced attorney advocating on your behalf before charges are filed is the best option for protecting your career and rights.

Protect Your License and Career

Some physicians don't take federal or state investigations seriously enough in the early phases. They fail to act quickly enough to avoid being indicted. Without a proactive defense, they may see their careers – and future – jeopardized. The reality is that law enforcement and investigators don't always get things right. Not everyone arrested for prescription fraud is necessarily guilty.

Before you face such consequences, get help from an experienced license defense attorney. If you're being investigated, contact Joseph D. Lento and the Lento Law Firm as soon as possible by calling 888-535-2686. Attorney Lento and his expert team understand the unique challenges you face as a doctor and will offer powerful defense strategies to protect your license and career.