Senior Citizen Drug Dealers in Pennsylvania

Recently, a news story grabbed my focus. It highlighted elderly people engaging in the sale of narcotics and subsequently being prosecuted as drug pushers. Honestly, the shock wasn’t about their actions, but that they were facing criminal charges for offloading their own prescribed meds. Seriously? Grandma getting indicted for selling her own prescriptions?

Why Older Adults Turn to Selling

Older individuals typically survive on fixed incomes and must find creative methods to afford basic living expenses. While some might take on part-time jobs—like greeting shoppers at Walmart or handing out movie tickets—others suffer from chronic ailments like severe arthritis. In their search for financial relief, they discover a dangerous new avenue to generate much-needed income.

Targeted by Criminals

The AARP warns that professional drug rings frequently prey on seniors. As any experienced New Castle criminal lawyer can explain, these syndicates use intimidation or the promise of quick financial compensation to hook them. Once an older person starts distributing their pharmaceuticals, escaping this illegal enterprise is incredibly challenging. The combination of financial temptation and the very real fear of violent retaliation from the dealer creates a terrible trap.

The Financial Pull of Oxycodone

What exactly are they dealing with? Mostly painkillers like oxycodone, along with antibiotics and other daily medications. Astoundingly, reports indicate that older adults in the United States consume a staggering 40% of all prescribed painkillers. These pills can fetch as much as $50 each. That is a highly alluring proposition for a senior citizen just struggling to pay bills.

The Opioid Epidemic in Lawrence County

Sadly, the fallout from this illicit trade goes way beyond making a quick buck. These medications contribute directly to fatal overdoses, fueling the severe opioid crisis currently gripping Western Pennsylvania and Lawrence County. Anyone caught up in this dangerous cycle should consult a New Castle DUI attorney immediately. Even at 91 years of age, individuals leverage their bulk 90-day medication supplies—a practice encouraged by insurance companies. When they find themselves with surplus pills during that three-month window, the potential for massive profit emerges.

Legal Consequences and Pennsylvania Law

Many elderly folks don’t fully grasp the legal severity of distributing prescriptions, nor the lethal risks involved. In their minds, they are simply rendering assistance to people in pain while covering their own essential expenses. Yet, the police and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) strictly prohibit this. Although juries are often shocked by the defendants’ ages and judges might issue lighter sentences, arrests keep happening. For numerous seniors, this marks their first encounter with the law. Retaining a skilled New Castle criminal lawyer is vital in these unprecedented situations.

Legislative Changes

Pennsylvania has taken steps to address this issue by implementing strict regulations:

• In November 2016, a law was passed restricting urgent care and ER doctors from prescribing more than a seven-day supply of pills.
• Doctors cannot write prescriptions for refills without directing suspected substance abusers to treatment programs.
• Physicians must consult the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to verify that the patient hasn’t received opioids from another provider.
• This legislation officially became effective on January 1, 2017.

Defending Your Rights

While this new law aims to curb the problem, it likely won’t eradicate it completely. The financial draw for older adults often overrides the potential consequences.

If you or a family member is facing arrest for selling prescription drugs, reach out to the seasoned professionals at Logue Law Group. Our dedicated team, including your trusted New Castle DUI attorney, can assist in reducing or dismissing your charges. Don’t wait—contact us today at 412.387.6901 or visit our website for more information.