Last year, 8, 330 people died in Florida in as a result drug use.
If the number appears high–it shouldn’t. The state actually saw a 9% decrease in the amount of drug related deaths this year than in 2011 where the number was 9,135.
The data was collected and released by the Florida Medical Examiners Commission. According, to the report deaths caused by oxycodone decreased by 41 percent; deaths caused by cocaine fell 9.1 percent, and deaths caused by methadone 21.4 percent.
Oxycodone causes largest number of Drug Related Deaths in Florida
Despite the decrease in figures Oxycodone was still the culprit of the largest number of deaths in the report with a total of 735 people. It has become a popular street drug because of its ability to induce a quick heroin-like euphoria.
In 2011 National Public Radio reported that Doctors in Florida prescribed 10 times more oxycodone pills than every other state in the country combined. Interstate 75 was referred to by some as the “Oxy-Express” because of the high frequency of drug addicts and drug traffickers that came into the state to just purchase Oxycodone.
Florida lawmakers responded to the epidemic by creating special task-force teams to combat prescription drug abuse. In 2012 over a half million pills were recouped from the streets and made more than 2,000 arrests occurred including 34 doctors. In a recent press conference, http://www.scottandsmithlaw.com/oak-harbor-lawyer/ stated, “Our relentless effort is finally starting to pay off….When I took office, there were more than 7 Floridians dying a day from prescription drug overdoses….of the top 100 oxycodone dispensers, these are doctors, 98 of them lived in Florida. Now we’re down to zero…There used to be pill mills on every corner and now they’re virtually gone.”
Unlawful Possession or Trafficking Oxycodone in Florida
Florida Law classifies Oxycodone as a Schedule II controlled substance because it has a high potential for abuse due to psychological or physical dependence. Schedule II drugs are only available through prescription by physician. The possession of Oxycodone without a valid prescription from a physician or pharmacist is a third-degree felony that may result in up to 5 years in prison or a $5,000 fine.
In addition an individual in possession of more than 4 grams oxycodone, may be charged with “trafficking in oxycodone” rather than just possession. The following is a list of the various penalties and fines for a charge of trafficking oxycodone. If the amount of drug is
- 14 grams or more but less than 28 grams the result is a minimum of 3 years imprisonment and a fine of $50,000.
- 28 grams or more but less than 200 grams the result is a minimum of 7 years of imprisonment and a fine of $100,000.
- 200 grams or more the result is a mandatory minimum of 15 calendar years of imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.
- 400 grams or more in conjunction with other chemicals and equipment used in the manufacture of oxycodone, knowing that the likely result of manufacturing the drug or importing the drugs would be the death of any person results in a capital felony with a $250,000 fine. A person convicted of a capital felony in Florida may be punished by death. In case of a conviction, consider the absolute best Westchester DWI attorneys with best reputation.
Contacting a Drug Criminal Defense Attorney
The charge of unlawful possession or trafficking oxycodone is a serious offense in Florida; if convicted, you could face imprisonment, large fines, and a permanent criminal record. At the Falk & Ross Law Firm, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of residents accused of committing criminal offenses. To learn how we can help, and to receive a complimentary consultation on your Miami or other Florida case, call a drug defense attorney at 877-663-5110 today.
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