Momentum begins to build against pain pill sellers – Part 2

Last time we talked about the issue of the increasing illicit use of pain killers among Americans. We also spoke about the development of pill mills used in the illegal trade of prescription pill narcotics. Florida has been identified as the state with the most drug crimes identified with the illegal prescription of pain killers. In fact, people from other states travel to Florida for illicit prescriptions. In this post we will look at the approach law enforcement officials have taken to address the issue.

As an example of the extreme amount of prescription pain killers that are sold in Florida, doctors there purchased 41.2 million pills in the first six months of 2010 for sale in comparison to the 4.8 million pills purchased by doctors in the other 49 states. Likewise the number of pain management clinics erupted in Florida. In 2006 there were six clinics in Broward County, home to Fort Lauderdale, and by mid-2009 there were 140 clinics in Broward County.

According to a detective with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, many of the new clinics were legitimate, but it was fairly easily to tell which clinics were not as professional looking. Often, illegitimate clinics have armed guards on the premises and are also marked by the long line of patients outside the clinics. Since many illegitimate clinics advertise out of state, often over Craigslist, car with out of state plates are normally parked nearby. Some patients even slept in their cars as they waited for a prescription.

Instead of busting individual patients, law enforcement partnered with the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Florida Board of Medicine to identify bad doctors and close illegitimate clinics. Pain clinics now must be owned by doctors and have to register with the state. Because of the registration officials with the Health Department can monitor the doctor’s records. Additionally, doctors who operate pain management clinics in Florida have to complete pain management training by 2012.

Source: USA Today, “Florida raids target sellers of pain pills,” Donna Leinwand, 2/24/11

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Years of Experience: Approx. 20 years
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Digital Evidence in Sex Crime Cases: How Your Online Activity Can Be Used Against You in Minnesota

Prosecutors in Minnesota use digital evidence in sex crime cases to connect suspects to crimes. They analyze the chronological order of online events and statements to show intent, motive, or premeditation. The common types of evidence used in sex crime investigations include direct, actual, and circumstantial evidence.

Can You Be Charged With a DUI If You’re Sleeping in Your Car in Minnesota?

One of the questions DUI lawyers in the state often answer is: Can you be charged with a DUI if you’re sleeping in your car? You can face DUI charges in Minnesota even if you are not actively operating your car. The “physical control” law states that anyone with the capacity to drive a vehicle while intoxicated can get arrested and charged with DUI.

How Prosecutors Use Text Messages in Minnesota Drug Cases

Prosecutors use text messages in Minnesota drug cases to prove circumstantial evidence. Text messages can prove intent or motive to distribute drugs. Knowing how your text messages may be used against you in a drug crime case can help you plan an effective defense strategy. That’s why you should involve a Minnesota drug crime attorney immediately after you get arrested, charged, or discover the police are investigating you for a drug crime. Your lawyer can carefully examine your text messages and determine the best way to counter the prosecution’s case.