Senior Citizens Facing Charges for Prescription Drugs

Recently, a news report caught my attention regarding older individuals participating in drug-related offenses and facing prosecution as dealers. Honestly, I was taken aback—not so much by their involvement, but by the fact that they are actually being prosecuted by the state. A grandmother getting charged for selling her own prescribed medication seems shocking. It is a well-known fact that many retirees living on fixed incomes must find creative ways to pay their essential bills. While a few find part-time jobs to supplement their pensions, like taking tickets at a movie theater or greeting shoppers at local retail stores, others suffer from severe daily pain due to conditions like arthritis. Unfortunately, they have stumbled upon a new avenue to generate much-needed income.

The Financial Struggle and Coercion

According to the AARP, criminal organizations often target older adults, pushing them into the illegal drug market through intimidation or the promise of fast financial compensation. Once an elderly person starts distributing their prescribed medication, escaping this illicit enterprise becomes incredibly challenging. The combination of financial desperation and the very real fear of retaliation from drug networks traps them in a potent cocktail of entrapment. If a senior finds themselves unexpectedly caught in this situation, consulting a Mercer criminal lawyer can be a crucial step in understanding their legal rights and options moving forward.

Which Drugs Are Most Commonly Sold?

• Oxycodone and Painkillers: These are highly addictive and constantly in high demand on the street.
• Antibiotics: These are often sold alongside other daily medications prescribed by doctors.

Startling statistics reveal that elderly individuals in the United States account for a staggering 40% of total painkiller consumption. These individual pills can sell for up to $50 each. That is quite a tempting proposition for anyone, let alone an older person just trying to make ends meet.

The Broader Impact on Mercer County

Tragically, this illicit trade has severe consequences extending far beyond financial gain. These substances contribute heavily to fatal overdoses, playing a significant role in fueling the opioid epidemic affecting Western Pennsylvania and Mercer County. Sometimes individuals, even at the age of 91, leverage their 90-day medication supplies, as encouraged by their insurance providers. When they have leftover pills within that three-month timeframe, the chance to make a substantial profit emerges. In situations involving substance abuse and subsequent impaired driving, a Mercer DUI attorney might also see the tragic fallout of this widespread epidemic.

Ignorance of the Law and New Regulations

Many seniors do not fully grasp the severity of selling their prescriptions, nor do they understand the dangers associated with these drugs. They simply believe they are rendering assistance to others or finding creative ways to pay bills. However, the Drug Enforcement Agency and local police strictly forbid this. Despite judges often showing leniency to elderly defendants, arrests still happen.

In November 2016, the Pennsylvania legislature passed a law to fight this issue. The legislation limits urgent care and emergency room doctors to prescribing a maximum of 7 days of pills. Doctors cannot authorize refills without referring patients suspected of substance abuse for treatment. They must also check the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to ensure no other provider has given the patient opioids. This law became effective on January 1, 2017. Navigating these strict new regulations can be tricky, which is why a Mercer criminal lawyer is an invaluable resource for defendants.

Legal Help from Logue Law Group

While the new law is expected to curb the problem, the financial advantages for elderly individuals often outweigh the potential consequences. If you or an elderly family member is facing arrest for selling prescription drugs, reach out to an experienced Mercer DUI attorney or criminal defense team at Logue Law Group. We can help in reducing or dismissing your charges. Contact us today at 412.387.6901 or visit our website for more information.