Your pharmacist license is more than just a credential—it represents dedication, trust, and service. But if you get arrested, it can feel like everything you've built is on the line. But you're not powerless. With the right support, you can fight back. Here's what you need to know to defend your license and your future.
The Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team protects your pharmacy license in Florida and nationwide. If you get arrested, we will help you understand the full scope of the charges, defend your actions, and protect your license. Call us at 888.535.3686 or fill out our confidential consultation form.
Licensing Law: Who's Pulling the Strings?
The Florida Board of Pharmacyoversees pharmacists in Florida. Whether you're in Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, or anywhere else, your licensure rests in their hands. For complaints, the Florida Department of Health steps in. They assess complaints, ensure adherence to regulations, and make critical decisions.
What Do Florida Pharmacists Get Arrested For?
Getting arrested doesn't just happen to strangers—Florida pharmacists can find themselves in legal trouble, too, just like anyone else. They can face criminal charges for a range of offenses—some directly related to their practice, others tied to personal behavior that might still impact their ability to hold a license.
Pharmacists have the keys to the medicine cabinet. Like all medical professionals, they have a higher rate of substance abuse than the general public. An estimated 10% to 15% of healthcare professionals will struggle with substance use at some point during their careers. This can translate to criminal charges and arrest, whether it's for illegal drug use or for driving under the influence. And substance abuse can make people spiral and do things they would never normally do, such as stealing medicine for personal use.
Another common reason for arrest involves healthcare fraud. This can include submitting false claims to insurance providers, billing for medications not dispensed, or participating in larger schemes to defraud Medicaid or Medicare.
In addition, pharmacists may be arrested for knowingly filling fraudulent prescriptions or dispensing medications to individuals without proper authorization. This can overlap with prescription drug diversion, where pharmacists unlawfully sell or transfer prescription medications to the black market, either for personal profit or under external pressure.
Other criminal conduct may include domestic abuse, identity theft, money laundering, or unauthorized practice, especially when a pharmacist works without an active license or uses another's credentials to access systems. Finally, while rare, some pharmacists have faced serious charges such as sexual misconduct or even violent crimes.
Regardless of the type of offense, a criminal charge can put a pharmacist's license at risk. In Florida, one of the grounds for disciplining pharmacists is “being convicted or found guilty of, or entering a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, regardless of adjudication, a crime in any jurisdiction which relates to the practice of, or the ability to practice, a licensee's profession.”
But wait. You haven't been convicted of anything yet; you've just been arrested. How does that work?
How Does an Arrest Affect Your Pharmaceutical License?
If you're a pharmacist in Florida and you've been arrested, it's important to remember one thing: an arrest is not the same as a conviction. You are still innocent until proven guilty, both in the eyes of the law and within the licensing process—at least in theory. Getting arrested doesn't mean you've done something that even merits getting your license taken away. In fact, you can get arrested for a misdemeanor.
But that doesn't mean your career is totally insulated. Even without a conviction, the Florida Board of Pharmacy can still launch its own investigation and take action if it believes public safety is at risk.
Florida pharmacists are held to a high standard, and getting arrested can create a wave of concern with your employer, your patients, and the Board. But being accused doesn't automatically mean you'll lose your license. The circumstances, the nature of the charges, and how you respond all matter. If the case is dismissed or you're found not guilty, that can work in your favor—but only if you've handled the process correctly from the beginning.
That's why it's crucial not to panic and not to give up. Your legal case and your licensing case are two different tracks. One is about guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; the other is about whether you're fit to practice safely and responsibly. Both require smart, strategic responses—especially when your livelihood is on the line.
If you're arrested, don't assume the worst—but don't sit back and do nothing either. Remember, the Board may take action even before your case is resolved. The best move? Talk to a defense attorney who understands both criminal law and professional licensing. They can help protect your license while your legal case plays out, because you're still innocent, and your career is still worth fighting for.
Can I Make Phone Calls After I'm Arrested?
The police show up and, with sirens blaring, take you into custody. What now? First and foremost: Say Nothing. No exceptions.
After you're arrested, you're taken to jail for booking. This involves recording your personal information, taking fingerprints, and sometimes a mugshot. If you're not released on bail, you'll remain in jail until your first court appearance, typically within 24 hours of arrest. When you're arrested, law enforcement will take possession of all your personal items, including your phone, and hold onto them.
Despite what many think, there's no such thing as a "one phone call" rule. While you're told about your right to a phone call, you're actually allowed to make multiple calls as needed, within reason, to reach your attorney or notify loved ones about your arrest.
How Do Licensing Proceedings Work?
If the Board does decide to take action after the arrest, here's how the process works in Florida:
- Confidentiality is maintained until 10 days after probable cause is found. If probable cause is not found, the case will remain confidential. Patient identity and patient records always remain confidential.
- The pharmacist is notified and given a copy of the allegations. If you've already been arrested, you have a pretty good idea of what the allegations are.
- The pharmacist is asked to respond.
- Investigations can take time, especially if officials need records or other documents. Meanwhile, your criminal case—assuming the charges are not dropped—is proceeding.
- You might be asked to testify and provide more details.
- It would seem logical to wait for the outcome of the criminal case, but it is at the Board's discretion.
It's a tough journey, but you're not on it alone. With the right support, you can tackle the challenges and safeguard your professional future.
Understanding the Consequences
If the Board decides to discipline you based on your arrest, the results could be damaging.
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Mandatory Training
You may be required to complete additional training, such as courses on ethics or substance abuse. -
Reprimands
A reprimand is the mildest form of discipline after an arrest. -
License Restrictions
If you were arrested on drug-related charges, you could be prohibited from dispensing certain controlled substances or working in specific settings. You may also be required to operate under supervision, which could limit your independence in decision-making. -
License Suspension
When your license is suspended, it impacts every part of your life—from your career to your finances and your ability to care for patients. You're on pause, waiting for the chance to prove you're ready to get back to your profession. -
License Revocation
Losing your license means more than just stepping away from work—it's a loss of everything you've built as a pharmacist. Once it's revoked, getting it back is extremely difficult. Beyond the personal impact, there are patients who rely on you every day.
Being arrested is tough, but losing your license is a direct blow to your livelihood.
The Lento Law Firm Knows Both Licensing and Criminal Defense
When your pharmacy license and your freedom are both on the line, you need more than just any lawyer—you need one who knows both sides of the fight. That's where the Lento Law Firm stands out. We don't just handle criminal defense. We don't just handle licensing. We do both, and we know how they intersect.
You need a legal strategy that covers your record and your license, because one wrong move in either arena can derail your entire career.
The Lento Law Firm brings that full-spectrum approach. We understand how to defend against criminal charges and how to protect your professional license with the Florida Board of Pharmacy. We know what the Board looks for, how they make decisions, and how to present your side in the strongest possible light.
Don't gamble your future on someone who only handles half the problem. Get a team that sees the big picture—and knows how to fight on both fronts. That's what we do.
Professional License at Issue? Trust the Lento Law Firm
High-stakes situations demand calm, strategy, and experience. We've guided professionals through this before—here's how we can help you now.
- We Take Action. As soon as you reach out, we start building your defense. At the Lento Law Firm, our team knows that timing is everything. The sooner we step in, the better chance we have to protect your license and contain the damage.
- We Dig Deep. Wedig deep, examining records, collecting key evidence, and building a defense that reflects the real story. At the Lento Law Firm, your case isn't just another file. We show the Board that the criminal accusations have no basis or do not reflect on your profession.
- We Know the Details. The devil is in the details. Our attorneys will carefully go through your records, gather crucial evidence, and make sure your side is heard. We understand that every case is different, so we build a defense plan specifically for you.
- We Fight for You. If your case moves to a hearing, we come ready for battle. From cross-examining witnesses to challenging weak evidence, we're prepared to fight for your future. Our focus is clear: protect your license, your livelihood, and your reputation.
- We Think Strategically. We know when to fight and when to find common ground. If a settlement is the right path, we negotiate with care and strategy, always with your future in mind. Our goal is to protect your career while satisfying the board's requirements without sacrificing what matters most.
- We Don't Quit. No case is too messy or too far gone—whether it's drug addiction, theft, or driving under the influence, we keep fighting for your rights and your future—even when others rush to judge you.
Everyone makes mistakes, but we make sure that's not all anyone sees.
The Lento Law Firm Is Ready to Help
If you're facing a licensing issue after an arrest in Florida, let the Lento Law Firm Professional License Defense Team guide you. We are dedicated to defending professionals like you in Florida and nationwide.
Reach out today at 888.535.3686 or fill out our confidential consultation form to get started. Facing this situation on your own is tough—let us assist you in achieving the best possible resolution.
