Experienced Florida Defense Lawyer For Opioid Crimes
Opiate use in the United States is skyrocketing, and the local, state and federal response has more often than not been lacking. Rather than providing rehabilitation and other methods of addiction treatment, opioid users are often facing punitive measures. As such, rather than actively seeking treatment, many individuals are resorting to illegal activities in order to obtain cash and resources to continue their addiction.
The legal professionals on the team at The Rudman Law Group are advocates for those with addiction and mental illness. They take a comprehensive approach to assisting those accused of opioid crimes relating from opioid abuse. They start from the ground up: By seeking treatment, alternative sentencing and other options that will allow the accused to regain a semblance of a normal, drug-free life.
Opiate Drug Offenses In Florida
The Rudman Law Group helps clients who have been arrested for trafficking:
- Heroin
- Fentanyl
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone
- Codeine
- Morphine
- Suboxone and Subutex that carry similar penalties to heroin
The lawyer at The Rudman Law Group will work with you to create smart, comprehensive legal strategies, while also attempting to address substance abuse issues. The firm tries to break that addiction cycle, by bringing in doctors, medical professionals and smart, qualified attorneys.
Opioid Possession
In Florida, having opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, or heroin without a prescription is illegal. The state treats opioid possession as a third-degree felony. If someone is caught with opioids, they might have to go to prison for up to five years, be on probation for five years, and pay up to $5,000 in fines. The punishment can be worse if the person has a larger quantities of opioids or if they have them near schools or parks. Repeat charges also lead to tougher penalties.
Opioid Delivery
Opioid delivery means selling or giving opioids to someone else illegally. In Florida, opioid delivery is classified as a second-degree felony, reflecting its serious nature. Individuals convicted of this crime may face up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. If the delivery causes serious injury or death, the punishment can become even more severe, turning into a first-degree felony.
Opioid Manufacturing
Making drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone or heroin is typically charged as a first-degree felony, and penalties can vary depending on the type and weight of the opiates involved. If someone manufactures heroine or oxycodone weighing between 4 grams and 14 grams in Florida, they face a mandatory minimum of three years in prison and a $50,000 fine. Manufacturing the same quantities of fentanyl, on the other hand, will lead to at least 7 years in prison.
The penalties become more severe if the manufacturing operation is large-scale or located near certain locations. These more serious charges can lead to hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and up to life in prison.
Opioid Trafficking
opioid trafficking refers to the illegal distribution, sale or transportation of opioid substances, including prescription medications and illicit drugs like heroin. Opioid trafficking charges can result from several different situations. Each can carry different punishments depending on the type and weight of the substance involved.
Trafficking charges typically result in mandatory minimums. That means, if convicted, you do every day of that time. For example, trafficking fentanyl or heroin results in a three-year minimum prison sentence for between 4g and 14g, a 15 year minimum for between 14g and 28g, and a 25-year minimum for more than 28 grams. There are no downward departures for trafficking mandatory minimums, with the exception of being designated a youth offender.
In addition to prison time, the fines are steep for trafficking charges. They can range from $50,000 to $750,000 or more.
Opiate Related Theft And Property Crimes
Theft and property crimes often occur in furtherance of an individual’s addiction. At The Rudman Law Group, the team helps defend people’s rights as they relate to:
- Burglary
- Grand theft
- Retail theft
- False verification of ownership to pawnbroker
- Credit card fraud
- Dealing in stolen property
Many of the people accused of these crimes are younger individuals who have spiraled into a drug addiction, often following an injury that necessitated opioid use. Many times, they have parents and loved ones who are involved and want to help.
The firm begins by investigating the facts of your case. The team then works to provide smart legal representation. But above all, they strive to provide a stable plan for long-term recovery, and attorney Douglas Rudman aims to offer proactive legal representation.
Understanding Florida’s Opioid Epidemic Response
On a daily basis, Florida politicians and lawmakers release statements that are meant to provide a pathway forward to fight the opioid abuse problem. From declaring a “health emergency” to proposing new legislation and bringing in money for programs, politicians may be on the right track, but results are slow to manifest. Thousands of Floridians die every year due to opioid abuse, and even more have their lives ruined in some capacity due to addiction.
The state has accepted money from the federal government to establish treatment programs and rehabilitation centers, in addition to funneling money toward prevention and recovery services. However, a significant portion of these programs is aimed at individuals, who, while they may be combating an addiction, may not yet have committed or been accused of committing a crime.
The state is too often punishing and penalizing those with drug problems. Across many counties, rehabilitation facilities have been shut down. Frequently, insurance companies treat drug addiction like a mental health issue, and they provide limited coverage for such issues. Insurance companies that do provide coverage often have a lot of caveats, and force their clients to jump through hoops.
The Rudman Law Group — Advocates For Those With Addiction And Mental Illness
Many criminal defense lawyers in Florida treat their clients’ criminal defense case just like any other, thereby not allowing those addicted to drugs to get treatment. Attorney Rudman and his team at The Rudman Law Group takes the time to understand the addiction process and advocate for their clients. They don’t wait until court time to present a solution. Right away, they work with therapists, doctors and treatment facilities to create realistic rehabilitative alternatives to jail that the court system will accept. They take a holistic approach for their clients to help them be in a better state of mind than they were prior to their interaction with the criminal justice system.
Find out how the firm can help.
Representing Individuals And Their Loved Ones In Boca Raton And Across Florida
From the Boca Raton office, attorney Rudman represents clients throughout Florida. If you or a loved one is facing serious criminal charges relating to opioids, give The Rudman Law Group a call at 561-593-2366, or use the contact form.