drug traffickinghttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/tag-180-drug-trafficking.aspxblog west palm beach criminal defense lawyersupport@vestadigital.com (Andrew D. Stine, P.A. - Florida Criminal Defence Attorney)support@viestly.com (Vesta Digital)Tue, 22 May 2012 22:38:10 GMTTue, 22 May 2012 22:38:10 GMTViestly60Pill Mill Kingpin Ordered to Pay Victim's Family Millionshttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/494-pill-mill-kingpin-ordered-to-pay-victims-family-millions.aspxJeff George, often discussed in previous posts as a kingpin of pill mills, has finally been ordered to pay financial restitution to the family of 24-year-old Joey Bartolucci who died from overdosing on narcotics in 2009, supplied by the pill mills operated by the George brothers. Pill mills are pain clinics that often prescribed powerful narcotics like Oxycodone without discretion. These operations are under extreme scrutiny and heavy investigation because of the rising number of Oxycodone related overdose deaths. It is simply just too easy for addicts and drug dealers to get their hands on powerful prescription drugs.

Jeff George Ordered to Pay Millions
According to an article in WPTV News, Jeff George of Wellington, Fla., admitted to killing Joey Bartolucci nine months ago, by giving him access to massive quantities of powerful narcotics. Now, he has been ordered to pay the Bartolucci family $5.3 million.

The jury verdict for Bartolucci's mother, Gina, and his sister, Jennifer Moyles, came after a one-sided trial that lasted less than a day. An attorney representing Bartolucci's family detailed for jurors how George's callous actions led to the aspiring paramedic's 2009 overdose death. George was not in the courtroom and did not hire a criminal defense lawyer to represent him.

Like nearly a half-dozen others who pleaded guilty in connection with one of the biggest pill mill operations in the country, George last week turned himself in to a federal prison. Last Friday, he began serving a 15 1/2-year sentence after pleading guilty in U.S. District Court to racketeering conspiracy for operating pill mills in Palm Beach County and Broward County.

Criminal Defense
If you have ever been charged with possession or trafficking a serious narcotic like Oxycodone, you are going to have a difficult time with the court process. Not only are you facing serious felony charges (depending on the amount in question), but there are always residual charges as well. A criminal defense lawyer can help you understand everything happening in court and will represent you professionally and knowledgeably.

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]]>Andrew StineFri, 04 May 2012 18:35:31 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/494-pill-mill-kingpin-ordered-to-pay-victims-family-millions.aspxAnother Doctor Arrested for Trafficking Oxycodonehttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/476-another-doctor-arrested-for-trafficking-oxycodone.aspxSouth Florida is known as the pain-pill capital of the country for a reason. With hundreds of pain clinics flourishing throughout St. Lucie County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County, addicts and doctor-shoppers will drive from states as far as Ohio to reap the benefits of pill mills and dispensing doctors. Police who track operations say that even though many pain clinics operate legally, people can often be seen driving from clinic to clinic procuring hundreds of pills at a time. Even though Florida legislation has attempted to regulate the doctor shopping epidemic, doctors continue to supply drug addicts and dealers with pills.

St. Lucie County Oxycodone Trafficking
St. Lucie County police arrested yet another doctor Thursday night on several charges including prescribing practitioner fraud and trafficking oxycodone and hydrocodone, according to an article in WPTV News.

Dr. Greg Hayes, 50, is charged with nine counts of prescribing practitioner fraud, three counts of trafficking oxycodone four to 14 grams, one count of trafficking oxycodone 14-28 grams, four counts of trafficking oxycodone 28 grams or more and one count of trafficking hydrocodone over 28 grams. His wife, Kristen Hayes, 27, is charged with nine counts of obtaining or attempting to obtain a controlled substance by fraud, two counts of trafficking oxycodone four to 14 grams, two counts of trafficking oxycodone 14 to 28 grams, four counts of trafficking oxycodone 28 grams or more and one count of trafficking hydrocodone over 28 grams, according to WPTV News.

Bond for the couple is set at $270,000 each.

Why Pill Mills will Never Go Away
Even though the Florida legislation is trying to regulate the process of obtaining prescriptions for oxycodone and other prescription drugs, it will always be an uphill battle because there are so many legitimate patients that need these drugs to alleviate moderate to severe pain. Also, the nature of pain clinics as a proliferating business is hard to track because an individual does not have to be a licensed practitioner (one can even be a convicted felon) to open up a clinic. They can open and shut down very quickly, only to reopen in another location. Several pain clinics have legitimate and legal operations but the illegal, low rent operations are harder to track down and prosecute before they change location.

Oxycodone Trafficking Defense
As you can see with Dr. Hayes, when you are charged with trafficking oxycodone, you are likely to have several counts of the same charge as well as residual charges like fraud. It is imperative that you contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately after being arrested and accused of these charges. Oxycodone is a very serious pain medication and the charges are extremely severe. A criminal defense lawyer will provide you with professional representation to make sure your side of the story is heard in court. With the high correlation of overdose deaths and pain clinics in operation, it is sure to be a long and difficult process if you have been charged with trafficking prescription pills. Make sure you have a criminal defense lawyer on your team.

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]]>Andrew StineFri, 23 Mar 2012 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/476-another-doctor-arrested-for-trafficking-oxycodone.aspxAre Your Tax Dollars Paying for Oxycodone Prescriptions in Pill Mills?http://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/473-are-your-tax-dollars-paying-for-oxycodone-prescriptions-in-pill-mills.aspxDid you know that Medicaid paid for more than 49 million doses of oxycodone pills over two years? The Palm Beach Post conducted an analysis of 1.7 million Florida prescription records but astoundingly, only 1.36 million adults are enrolled in Medicaid. There are no doubts that doctors in pill mills are continuing to peddle pills to addicts and drug dealers even as the state of Florida wars with the flow of prescription drug trafficking. The in-depth analysis breaks down the amount of prescriptions paid for by Medicaid in relation to the famous pill mill busts in 2010 and 2011.

Oxycodone Trafficking in Florida
The Palm Beach Post conducted an analysis on the flow of oxycodone throughout the state of Florida and where the funding for drug continues to come from - tax dollars. Records show that mid-level prescription oxycodone was one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the past two years. Taxpayers supposedly paid for more than 1 million doses of oxycodone working in pill mills. According to the article, Medicaid paid more than $27 million for oxycodone pills in 2010 and 2011. Many of the prescriptions were filled and paid for at known or suspected pill mills.

Oxycodone is causing chaos within state legislation as it is the state's leading cause of prescription drug deaths. 102,000 of these doses link directly to the George brothers of wellington, who were charged with racketeering, money laundering, and even first-degree murder for an overdose death. Almost 260,000 doses were written by Dr. Joseph Hernandez of Lake City, Fla., and Medicaid paid about $200,000 for the pills he prescribed in a two year span. After 34 overdose deaths (out of the almost 800 patients treated), Hernandez was charged with trafficking and his license to practice was suspended.

It is amazing to see that the pill dubbed to be one of the leading causes of overdose deaths in the state of Florida is getting a huge percentage of its funding from Florida taxpayers. Loved ones of those who have died due to the highly-addictive narcotic will be in an outrage after seeing this analysis.

Drug Trafficking Criminal Defense
Florida law enforcement has legitimately declared oxycodone as the no. 1 enemy on the list. If you have been charged with prescription drug trafficking, you are in for a very long haul. A criminal defense lawyer will be able to investigate your case and ensure you a fair trial. However with legislation cracking down on the flow of oxycodone, it is going to be a very difficult process with extremely severe consequences, so it is imperative that you contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately after you are arrested.

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]]>Andrew StineMon, 19 Mar 2012 16:07:00 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/473-are-your-tax-dollars-paying-for-oxycodone-prescriptions-in-pill-mills.aspxDrug Trafficking Shifting to Crack Cocaine from Prescription Drugshttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/462-drug-trafficking-shifting-to-crack-cocaine-from-prescription-drugs.aspxLaw enforcement officers are seeing a rise in crack cocaine distribution around South Florida. The issue is making its way up the chain spurring undercover sweeps and the like. If you have been accused of possessing or trafficking cocaine, it is imperative you contact a lawyer immediately because law enforcement officials are trying to keep a closer eye on drug trafficking.

Crack Down in St. Lucie County
St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 40 people allegedly involved in trafficking crack cocaine, according to an article in WPTV News. The sweep has been dubbed “Operation Crack Down.” Investigators are saying the rise that they are seeing in crack cocaine is due to the recent increase in strict legislation on pills like prescription drugs, making it more of a priority to target cocaine rather than the prescription drug problem in South Florida.

The article described the sweep, being very successful because the people involved were veterans in the drug trade.

"This is significant. This is a lot of street level dealers who have been doing (this) for many years. Their past history includes marijuana or crack cocaine," sheriff Mascara said.

Investigators described most of the people arrested as having significant pasts of drug convictions along with violence-related convictions. They are still looking for 13 others involved in addition to the 40 arrested.

Prescription Drugs Still a Problem
According to Beth Pernice, of New Horizons Mental Health Center, prescription drug trafficking is still a huge problem among the patients they see at the health center. Pernice said that workers at the center are preparing for what law enforcement is calling “a resurgence of crack use in St. Lucie County.” Pernice described there is generally a direct correlation of what happens on the streets and the type of patients that end up in the health center.

She stated:
"We're going to see a lot of people who have been on crack binges and they're going to become very psychotic because of that . So we're going to see an increase in mental health and substance abuse services."

Criminal Defense
If you have been charged with drug possession or drug trafficking, you are looking at extremely serious consequences if convicted. Regardless if it is crack cocaine or oxycodone, it is imperative that you contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. A drug-related conviction will haunt you for the rest of your life and make life impossible after you have served your sentence.

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]]>Andrew StineWed, 22 Feb 2012 17:15:07 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/462-drug-trafficking-shifting-to-crack-cocaine-from-prescription-drugs.aspxPonzi Scheme in South Floridahttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/455-ponzi-scheme-in-south-florida.aspxPonzi schemes are investment fraud schemes that generally show up on the news. These fraudulent investments attract an abundance of media attention because they generally involve very wealthy people or people commonly known to the general public. In this case, Scott Rothstein and his uncle were co-conspirators in a $1 billion Ponzi scheme that is now coming to a close.

What is a Ponzi Scheme?
The definition of a Ponzi scheme according to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is an investment fraud that involves the payment of falsified returns to existing investors from funds contributed by new investors. Ponzi schemers find investors by promising exceptionally high returns with little or no risk. They use money from new investors to pay the previous ones, without engaging in any legitimate investment activity, according to the SEC.

Ponzi schemes need a consistent flow of cash from new investors to continue. Once a schemer runs into difficulty recruiting new investors, the scheme tends to collapse. In other cases, a large number of investors ask to cash out and the schemer is caught.

Ponzi Scheme in South Florida
According to an article in the Palm Beach Post Scott Rothstein’s uncle, Billy Boockvor, the alleged co-conspirator closest to the convicted $1 billion Ponzi schemer, is expected to plead guilty to fraud in federal court Wednesday. Boockvor was at the disgraced Fort Lauderdale lawyer’s side during his wild four-year ride fleecing investors, he is facing up to five years in prison.

In December, he was charged with conspiring with Rothstein to falsify his law firm’s trust account records at Toronto Dominion Bank. The goal: to induce investors to buy bogus legal settlements. They collectively lost more than $350 million. The charge against Rothstein’s closest assistant brings the total number of employees and others prosecuted in the massive scheme to eight, including Rothstein, 49. He is serving a 50-year sentence on racketeering conspiracy charges, according to the Palm Beach Post.

Ponzi and RICO Defense
If you have ever been accused of fraud, or any of the crimes under RICO law (bribery, murder, drug trafficking, embezzlement, etc.), you need the assistance and expertise of a criminal defense lawyer immediately. If convicted, not only will you be forced to pay heavy fines but you will be facing years, if not decades in prison. A criminal defense lawyer can help you through this process.

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]]>Andrew StineWed, 08 Feb 2012 17:12:09 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/455-ponzi-scheme-in-south-florida.aspxWhat is Happening with the Florida Drug Law?http://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/423-what-is-happening-with-the-florida-drug-law.aspxFighting a drug charge can be extremely complicated. Now with the new changes in the Florida Drug Law, things may be even more confusing. A criminal defense lawyer is the best person to speak with if you have questions about the drug crime allegations against you. Since Orange County Judge Mary Scriven found the Florida Drug Abuse Prevention and Control law unconstitutional, charging offenders with drug crimes involving intent is becoming a grey area.

Drug Law in Florida

Judge Scriven called the law “atavistic and repugnant to the common law,” after Mackle Vincent Shelton, was convicted on a cocaine offense and sentenced to 18 years in prison even though he was unaware that his friend hid cocaine in his backpack.

The idea behind the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Law is the removal of the intent requirement. Basically, the offender can be convicted of a legitimate drug crime even if they were unaware that they were in possession of the substance.

The law is being aggressively protested and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the American Civil Liberties Union, have filed briefs against it. WPTV News reported that the case is on a fast track to the Florida Supreme Court. The Florida Supreme Court has set an oral argument for December 6.

According to WPTV News, a Miami appellate court recently upheld the drug law’s constitutionality.

Depending on the Florida Supreme Court’s ruling, the case can have a very significant impact on thousands of drug offenders. Being charged with a drug crime is already a messy process, now mixing in the change in legislature could drag the process on even longer.

Criminal Defense

If you have been charged with drug possession or drug trafficking, you need to contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. These changes in legislation are going to significantly impact the possibility of a conviction. A criminal defense lawyer is knowledgeable about this situation and can help you devise a strategy for the best possibly outcome.

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]]>Andrew StineMon, 21 Nov 2011 16:30:57 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/423-what-is-happening-with-the-florida-drug-law.aspxHow Pain Clinics in South Florida have been Skirting New Lawshttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/391-how-pain-clinics-in-south-florida-have-been-skirting-new-laws.aspxA consistent headline in the news is how pain clinics are a growing problem. South Florida is considered to be the hotspot for pain clinics and by proxy, prescription drug trafficking. Doctors at pain clinics have an underhanded reputation for handing out prescriptions like they’re candy for highly addictive drugs like Oxycodone. As law enforcement continues to crack down on drug traffickers disguised as pain clinics, drug traffickers continue to find loopholes around the law.

Pain Clinic Central in South Florida

WPTV News reports that Florida’s drug czar is warning South Florida law enforcement about potential loopholes that pill mills have found. The number of pain clinics trying to establish themselves as pharmacies has surged recently causing law enforcement to start sweating.

While pain clinics do rake in a significant amount of revenue, they are a serious problem in this area. Prescription drugs like Oxycodone and Xanax are high on the list of popular drugs in the drug trafficking scene. Dr. Barbara Krantz of the Hanley Center treats prescription drug addicts. She says in the past two years, there has been a significant increase in the number of addicts, according to WPTV News.

“We’re seeing anywhere from approximately eight deaths per day,” Krantz said.

New Pain Clinic Law

There is a new law banning drugs from being dispensed directly by pain clinics, but clinics are looking for (and have already found) a loophole. The pain clinics start their own pharmacy instead, and put it inside their own pain clinics. The Sun-Sentinel reported that the state approved 800 new pharmacies in the last year.

The state is going to attempt to close this loophole by enforcing stricter regulation in the future. The state will also move to ban pain clinics from being near pharmacies.

Criminal Defense

With the spike in pharmacies, pain clinics, and prescription drug trafficking in South Florida, criminal defense lawyers are going to be busy. Law enforcement is expending a significant amount of their budget to prosecute drug traffickers that hide behind the façade of pain clinics. If you have been accused of prescription drug trafficking in affiliation with a pain clinic, you need the skills and experience of a criminal defense lawyer.

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]]>Andrew StineWed, 07 Sep 2011 15:48:58 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/391-how-pain-clinics-in-south-florida-have-been-skirting-new-laws.aspxHow Will the New Prescription Drug Law Affect You?http://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/389-how-will-the-new-prescription-drug-law-affect-you.aspxLast week, the pill mill brothers finally made an appearance in court facing federal weapons charges and murder charges all in relation to the prescription drug mills they are accused of running in South Florida. Clearly lawmakers are attempting to react to the surge of prescription drug trafficking proliferating throughout Broward County attracting doctor shoppers and drug dealers all the way from states like Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Pill Mill Regulation

The regulation of pill mills has finally made its way into law. According to an article in WPTV News, pharmacists are now required by law to enter certain patients’ information into a statewide database that will monitor prescriptions of highly addictive prescription drugs like Oxycontin, Vicodin, Xanax, and Ambien. This requirement does not apply to anti-depressants or blood pressure medications, which should ease the fears of legitimate patients with serious health issues that need the medication.

This new requirement is specifically to corner those people abusing prescription drugs. It is also targeting doctors (like the ones working for the George brothers) that overprescribe or even prescribe medication without a legitimate examination.

While the new legislation could be very effective in catching drug traffickers and doctor shoppers, many people in Broward County are expressing concern that the law could potentially make things difficult for legitimate patients.

Jennifer Hirst, a spokeswoman for the FL Dept. Of Health, addresses privacy concerns by saying, "The data will be stored and maintained in a highly secure system," according to WPTV News.

Prescription Drug Trafficking

While legislation may potentially make things difficult for genuine pain clinic patients, the new regulations are going to make things extremely difficult for drug traffickers. Now that orders for highly addictive prescription drugs like Oxycontin are being recorded in a database, it is almost certain that the arrest rate for drug trafficking or drug possession is going to accelerate. Criminal defense lawyers are rolling up their sleeves and getting ready to be busy for a while.

If you have been accused of drug trafficking or possession of prescription drugs, you are going to need a criminal defense lawyer to help you scale down your charges. Criminal defense lawyers are aware of this new legislation and have already begun to prepare for an increase in drug trafficking or drug possession cases.

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]]>Andrew StineFri, 02 Sep 2011 14:02:35 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/389-how-will-the-new-prescription-drug-law-affect-you.aspxUpdate: Pill Mill Brothers Face a Judgehttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/386-update-pill-mill-brothers-face-a-judge.aspxThe pill mill brothers, Chris and Jeff George, were indicted in October of last year on federal weapons charges. The two were indicted and arrested along with several doctors working for them in their pain clinics after amassing millions from their pain clinics. The brothers were living a lavish lifestyle while the doctors they employed supplied prescription pills to drug traffickers and dealers pouring in from Kentucky, Ohio, and South Carolina.

Prescription Pill Trafficking and Weapons Charges

Now, Jeff George is facing second-degree felony murder charges in the overdose death of Joey Bartolucci, who visited one of his pain clinics in January of 2009. Chris and Jeff George finally faced the judge Wednesday morning after the prolonged federal and state crackdown on the George’s cash-only pain clinics came to a close.

Jeff George defended himself by claiming that although they provide medication, they should not be held responsible if the user of that medication chooses to abuse it. Attorney McAuliffe also charged the prescribing physician, Dr. Gerald Klein, with first-degree murder. Klein allegedly gave Bartolucci prescriptions for 150 Dilauded pills, 30 Xanax, and 30 Nortriptyline pills.

Chris George’s Fort Lauderdale defense lawyer argued that the brothers operated legitimate businesses staffed by licensed doctors, physicians who prescribed drugs within the confines of the law, according to the Palm Beach Post.

The George brothers are also being federally prosecuted under the RICO act, the law created to crack down on Mafia related crime.

Criminal Defense

If you have been charged with any two specific crimes within ten years, you could be charged and prosecuted under the RICO act. These crimes are specified under the act as robbery, murder, fraud, grand theft, etc. A criminal defense lawyer can be an ally to you through this process because only lawyers have a full grasp of the law and know what to look for while investigating your situation. Jeff George’s defense lawyer is the only person keeping Jeff’s head above water at this time by taking on the responsibility of questions from reporters as well as court procedures.

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]]>Andrew StineFri, 26 Aug 2011 13:50:42 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/386-update-pill-mill-brothers-face-a-judge.aspxCan Oxycodone Busts Happen Outside of Pain Clinics?http://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/383-can-oxycodone-busts-happen-outside-of-pain-clinics.aspxSouth Florida is known as the pain pill capital of the United States. Prescription drug schemes can be found anywhere but the most common place for it is in pain clinics spearheaded by doctors trying to make an illegal profit. Recently, a prescription drug bust occurred at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Riviera Beach.

Usually, doctors in pain clinics try to make a quick profit by skimping on medical exams and providing prescription drugs like oxycodone to patients who don’t necessarily need it. Pain clinics are a huge problem in the effort against prescription drug trafficking and the law is cracking down.

Prescription Drug Trafficking in Riviera Beach

In Riviera Beach, a seven month undercover investigation has come to a close at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Riviera Beach. Over a dozen people have been arrested and accused of running a prescription drug operation out of the medical center.

According to WPTV News, part of the undercover operation led investigators to the home of Terri and Carlos Guerra. There they found a safe containing 5,000 oxycodone pills and more than $100,000 dollars in cash. Now both Terri and Carlos Guerra are facing charges of conspiracy to traffic oxycodone.

According to the affidavit, investigators started looking into the Terri and Carlos Guerra after Guerra's son, Larry Dorsey, was arrested by the DEA in Pittsburgh for trying to sell oxycodone. The affidavit says Dorsey told investigators where they could find more of the prescription medication and thousands of dollars.

According to WPTV News, the affidavit says Dorsey's mother, Terri Guerra, an employee of the VA, is responsible for the ordering and inventory of all controlled pharmaceuticals at the center. According to investigators, Guerra was placing orders for oxycodone at the same time her son was selling them.

After a search of two residents, investigators seized more than 6,000 oxycodone pills and almost $200,000 dollars in cash.

Investigators say the all the arrests that took place Thursday included veterans who were allegedly selling drugs to make money, nursing assistants, and pharmacy technicians. The State Attorney's Office says more arrests are likely. No doctors have been arrested, according to the article.

Oxycodone Trafficking Criminal Defense

Because of the huge problem of prescription drug trafficking in South Florida, law enforcement officers are expending huge amounts of their budget to crack down on pill mills and prescription drug runners everywhere. If you have been accused of trafficking prescription drugs, you are in for a long, difficult process with the law. A criminal defense lawyer can assist you through this process and answer questions you may have. Only a criminal defense lawyer can defend you in this situation and help you get the most reasonable sentence possible if you are convicted.

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]]>Andrew StineFri, 19 Aug 2011 15:27:24 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/383-can-oxycodone-busts-happen-outside-of-pain-clinics.aspxShould Doctors at Pain Clinics be Worried?http://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/377-should-doctors-at-pain-clinics-be-worried.aspxLaw enforcement officers in South Florida are cracking down on pain clinics. The FDLE and DEA are very concerned with the amount of prescription pain pills that are being illegally peddled through pain clinics. The doctors of several pain clinics have been arrested and charged with drug trafficking. There is usually a residual charge of fraud as well. A criminal defense lawyer can explain the whole process if you have been charged with drug trafficking.

Pill Mill in West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach doctor Dr. John Christensen is under investigation after the FDLE conducted a raid on his pain clinics and home, totaling in a raid of four locations. Dr. Christensen has not been arrested or charged with any crime but due to the multi-agency investigation, his license to practice as a doctor or a chiropractor has been suspended.

According to WTPV News, Dr. Christensen's business is called the A1A Health and Wellness Clinic. The FDLE seized patient records and computer hard drives. A witness said the business was only accepting cash.

Mike Driscoll, the FDLE Resident Agent in Charge says, "It was brought to our attention that possibly other illegal activities were occurring involving the prescription of narcotics - pain medication and so forth."

According to WPTV News, Florida's Department of Health just released the details of the emergency suspension order against Dr. Christensen. According to the document, it claims that Dr. Christensen sold illegal prescription drugs between May of 2008 and June of this year, without performing any medical exams on the patients receiving the medications. It also claims Dr. Christensen committed insurance fraud.

Prescription Drug Trafficking Defense

Drug trafficking in the state of Florida is a serious offense. Doctors that prescribe pain pills without exams will be charged severely. The only person that can protect your rights and ensure you a fair trial is a criminal defense lawyer.

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]]>Andrew StineFri, 05 Aug 2011 13:58:33 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/377-should-doctors-at-pain-clinics-be-worried.aspxUpdate: Officer of the Year Pleads Not Guilty to Drug Chargeshttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/369-update-officer-of-the-year-pleads-not-guilty-to-drug-charges.aspxAs discussed in a previous blog post on July 8th, Boynton Beach Police Department’s ‘Officer of the Year’ for 2010, 28-year-old David Britto, was indicted earlier this month on charges of conspiring to possess and traffic 500 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that Britto has been drug dealing from June 2009 until March 4, 2011 when he was caught in a DEA Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation.

If convicted, Britto is facing life in prison.

On Monday, Britto pleaded not guilty before a U.S. Magistrate judge. He remains on paid administrative leave. According to WPTV News, Britto has faced a total of seven internal affairs investigations since he was hired in 2006, three of those allegations against him sustained. In 2008, he was suspended for cursing at a driver and for failing to submit a report that was complete and accurate. He was also suspended in 2009 for failing to divulge that he was involved in an off-duty criminal investigation with the Miami Beach Police Department.

After Britto’s July 5 indictement, Police Chief G. Matthew Immler released a statement saying,

"We realize that when an officer stands accused of a violation of the public trust, all of law enforcement pays the price in eroded citizen confidence and the perception of diminished integrity."

Drug Trafficking Criminal Defense

Britto’s criminal defense lawyer needs to work very hard to represent Britto. Because Britto was named Officer of the Year and is highly respected within law enforcement, the outcome of the case will be interesting to see.

Have you ever been in this situation? Have you ever been accused of drug possession or trafficking after being in a highly respected position? This kind of situation is especially devastating and only an experienced criminal defense lawyer can understand the difficulties you may be suffering. Contact a criminal defense lawyer, he or she will be your strongest and most understanding ally.

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]]>Andrew StineWed, 20 Jul 2011 15:06:42 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/369-update-officer-of-the-year-pleads-not-guilty-to-drug-charges.aspxHow an Officer of the Year Could Spend his Life in Prisonhttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/364-how-an-officer-of-the-year-could-spend-his-life-in-prison.aspxSometimes even law enforcement officers get caught up in crime. When an officer is accused of committing a crime, it ends up in the news followed by community outrage. Officers are supposed to represent societal integrity and moral fiber. Seeing someone supposedly committed to the law indicted for drug trafficking can be hard on the community.

Officer of the Year Caught Dealing Drugs

According to an article in WPTV News, the Boynton Beach Police department’s ‘Officer of the Year’ for 2010 was indicted Tuesday. David Britto, 28, is accused of conspiring to possess and traffic 500 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that Britto has been drug dealing from June 2009 until March 4, 2011 when he was caught in a DEA led Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation.

Now that Britto faces a potential life sentence if convicted, Police Chief G. Matthew Immler released a statement saying,

"We realize that when an officer stands accused of a violation of the public trust, all of law enforcement pays the price in eroded citizen confidence and the perception of diminished integrity."

Britto was named ‘Officer of the Year’ for various achievements including helping to identify a man suspected of shooting two street preachers, performing CPR on a 2-year-old girl who almost drowned, working 11 burglaries resulting in 19 arrests, and working 18 narcotic cases leading to 25 arrests.

Britto said at the beginning of last year, he took out a pen and a piece of paper and wrote down that on every call he wanted to make a difference in someone's life, according to the article.

He’s certainly made a difference for people who are hesitant to trust law enforcement officers.

Drug Trafficking Criminal Defense

It is upsetting to see someone who seems so motivated to make a difference in people’s lives fall into the downward spiral of criminal behavior. Officer Britto is going to need a very knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer on his side to avoid that lifelong prison sentence prosecutors are pushing for. If you have ever been charged with drug trafficking, a criminal defense attorney is the most essential person you can have on your team. Lawyers understand that you made a mistake and will do everything in their power to protect your rights.

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]]>Andrew StineFri, 08 Jul 2011 14:54:38 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/364-how-an-officer-of-the-year-could-spend-his-life-in-prison.aspxWhy it's Dangerous to be a Pain Clinic Doctor in Palm Beach Countyhttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/356-why-its-dangerous-to-be-a-pain-clinic-doctor-in-palm-beach-county.aspxThere have been three pain clinic raids in the last 10 days in Palm Beach County. According to an article in WPTV news, Palm Beach County Police have been sweeping the county and cracking down on unregistered pain clinics and digging up more information on clinics that seem to be participating in suspicious activities. If you are a doctor or an owner of a pain clinic, tread with caution as you are now in the spot light of Palm Beach County Police.

Pain Clinics Under Scrutiny

According to the article, a Boca Raton doctor is behind bars, accused of handing out pain medications. Palm Beach County Sheriff Deputies raided the Southern Care Pain Management and Wellness Center in Palm Springs Friday. This is the third raid of a suspected pain clinic in Palm Beach County in 10 days. An undercover operation put Doctor Marvin Reich in jail, for allegedly writing fake prescriptions for oxycodone and other narcotics.

Deputies loaded boxes of medical and financial files into the back of a box truck. Detectives say the clinic is not registered in Florida.

"Well he (Reich) is an eye doctor, and he's in a pain clinic. There's no medical stuff inside the facility for any type of eye exams, let's put it that way," says Lt. Bruce Hannan, with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

The clinic's owner, 57-year-old Glen Smith Jr., of Lake Worth was also arrested. Both men are charged with running an unregistered pain clinic. If convicted the most time Dr. Reich or the owner could spend in prison is five or six years. Detectives say the investigation is ongoing, and more arrests may follow.

Prescription Drug Criminal Defense

While five or six years in prison may not seem like a hefty consequence, being charged with drug trafficking or prescription drug trafficking can rack up serious consequences. With the help of a criminal defense lawyer, you might be able to lower your fines and the amount of time you'll spend in prison if you have been charged with drug trafficking. Doctors especially need the help of a criminal defense lawyer because they run the risk of losing their licenses.

Distributed by Viestly

]]>Andrew StineMon, 20 Jun 2011 11:53:03 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/356-why-its-dangerous-to-be-a-pain-clinic-doctor-in-palm-beach-county.aspxHow are Drug Traffickers Using the Internet and Getting Away with it?http://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/350-how-are-drug-traffickers-using-the-internet-and-getting-away-with-it.aspxDrug-related crime covers a significant percentage of all crime committed in South Florida. Many officials believe that the huge drug problem in our area is due to the close proximity to international ports. International ports make it much easier for drug traffickers to transport large amounts of drugs to South Florida for distribution elsewhere. However, criminals are becoming more creative with their distribution methods – including using the Internet.

Drug Distribution

According to an article in WPTV News, a new form of drug distribution is catching the attention of law enforcement. Two U.S. senators are asking federal authorities to crack down on a secretive narcotics market operated on the Internet with anonymous sales and untraceable currency.

Heroin, cocaine and methamphetamines are among the drugs being sold in the well-protected website apparently operating for just a few months.

Sens. Charles Schumer of New York and Joe Manchin of West Virginia say they asked the Justice Department and Drug Enforcement Administration to shut down and investigate the website, often referred to as the Silk Road after an ancient Asian trade route.

A key to the illicit trade is use of a network by buyers and sellers that conceals their identity. Websites including Gawker have reported on the site, according to the article.


Drug Crimes in South Florida

Drug related crimes are such easy money that people who never expected to get involved with drugs end up selling them. South Florida recognizes the rising statistics with drug-related crimes that the area is becoming famous for its aggressive penalties. In fact, most prosecutors don’t stop with just drug related crimes; they continue on to prosecute residual crimes that are committed due to the use of or involvement with drugs.

Drug Crime Criminal Defense

If you have been accused of or charged with any drug crimes, contact a criminal defense lawyer. Only an experienced criminal defense lawyer from South Florida understands how difficult this process may be. Have a lawyer explain your options to you and help you build a strong strategy so you can have a second chance at life.

Distributed by Viestly

]]>Andrew StineMon, 06 Jun 2011 11:53:00 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/350-how-are-drug-traffickers-using-the-internet-and-getting-away-with-it.aspxHow Marijuana Dealers are Getting More Creative When Sellinghttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/349-how-marijuana-dealers-are-getting-more-creative-when-selling.aspxMarijuana dealers are getting more and more creative with their methods of distribution. As the local government invests more money, time, and officers in an attempt to squash the marijuana craze in Palm Beach County, dealers are stuffing their pot into anything from cupcakes to Subway sandwich bags.

Marijuana Methods of Distribution

According to an article in WPTV News, a Fort Pierce Subway employee was arrested on Thursday morning by St. Lucie County Sheriff's investigators who said she was selling marijuana to patrons who asked for 'extra meat' on their sandwiches.

Elizabeth Hunter, 47 known as "Liz" was allegedly selling marijuana from inside a Hess gas station/Subway Fort Pierce. According to St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office on May 10th and May 26th, undercover deputies used the code words 'extra meat' when they ordered sandwiches from Hunt.

"The 'extra meat' was a baggie of marijuana that Hunt slipped into the sandwich bag," Sheriff Ken Mascara said in a written release. The arrest affidavit also states that Hunt asked the undercover deputies to, "put the $10 in the tip jar."

Hunt then placed the marijuana inside the subway sandwich bag, and is now being held in the St Lucie county jail on a $55,000 bond on two counts of sale and delivery of marijuana within 1,000 feet of a convenience store, one count of possession of marijuana with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a convenience store and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Only recently, a drug dealer was caught using a very creative method of distribution. He was arrested selling pot cupcakes to South Miami High School students at $10 a piece.


Criminal Defense

If you are caught in possession of or trafficking marijuana, you’re in a for a long haul. Because the government is investing to much time and energy in cracking down on marijuana and drug dealers, you will undoubtedly be facing a tough trial. The only person who can help you in this situation is a criminal defense lawyer. Have a criminal defense lawyer answer any questions you may have about your situation and he or she can also help you build a strong defense strategy.

Distributed by Viestly

]]>Andrew StineFri, 03 Jun 2011 11:49:26 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/349-how-marijuana-dealers-are-getting-more-creative-when-selling.aspxWhy Marijuana Grow Houses are Easy to Findhttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/346-why-marijuana-grow-houses-are-easy-to-find.aspxAccording to an article in WPTV News, a marijuana grow house was busted on Wednesday after police accidentally stumbled upon it. Usually, grow houses are caught and found through informants, anonymous tipsters, or sting operations. This one however, the police sniffed their way into.

The Crime

According to the article, two uniformed officers patrolling the Pelican Pointe town home got a whiff of marijuana near the pool area. They followed their noses and saw Jesse Duncans, 26, smoking marijuana in the rear patio of a town house. Several plants were growing in pots on a table right next to him out in the open.

The officers promptly approached Duncans and identified themselves. He immediately bolted inside with a handful of marijuana in his hands. The police chased him fearing he would try to destroy the evidence. They apprehended him in a bedroom where more plants were found in a closet. There was no one else in the apartment.

Police seized 40 marijuana plants weighing in at 361 grams after a search warrant was granted, and arrested Duncans on charges of resisting police and cultivating marijuana. He is being held in Palm Beach County Jail on a $3,000 bond, according to the article.

Marijuana Grow House

According to Florida Statute 893.1351, a residence is considered a grow house if it houses more than 25 plants. The statute claims that only if there are more than 25 plants can it provide as evidence that the cannabis is intended for sale or distribution.

As for drug trafficking, the residence needs at least 300 marijuana plants. Usually if the plants amount to less than 25, a criminal defense lawyer could easily argue in your defense that the marijuana was intended for personal consumption.

Marijuana Grow House Criminal Defense

If you are caught growing marijuana, regardless of the amount, you need a criminal defense lawyer’s help immediately. Charges of growing marijuana usually result in a minimum prison sentence of at least three years in addition to steep fines and a felony criminal record. Talk to a criminal defense lawyer to figure out your defense strategy.

Distributed by Viestly

]]>Andrew StineFri, 27 May 2011 15:45:13 GMThttp://www.andrewdstine.com/blog-78/346-why-marijuana-grow-houses-are-easy-to-find.aspx