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  • "We are very fortunate to have hired such a wonderful team!!" by A.K., Past Client
  • "Mr. Pumphrey rescued my family in a time of crisis. A simple traffic stop turned into out-of-state incarceration for my adult son. Our family has zero experience with needing legal counsel. We were referred to Mr. Pumphrey by another lawyer based on his reputation. Mr Pumphrey was knowledgeable about the out-of-state circumstances and educated us on the complexities of the situation. He and his staff answered and/or returned every phone call promptly. They were able to resolve this in a week’s time. The charges were dropped and my son was released. Mr. Pumphrey will always have my eternal gratitude. His knowledge, actions, and ability to resolve this quickly saved my son." by Amy C., Past Client
  • "I would recommend him to anyone wanting a trustworthy, diligent, aggressive attorney that knows how to navigate the legal system and get the best possible outcome." by B.J., Past Client
  • "The legal and emotional support is unsurpassed." by Braxton O., Wife of Past Client
  • "Mr. Pumphrey took one look at my case and had all of the charges dismissed" by Evie, Past Client
  • "Without question, the best criminal defense attorney in Tallahassee." by J.P.M., Past Client
  • "He helped me to not only get through my court case, he also helped me put it behind me so that I may continue to move forward with my life. If you choose him to represent you, he will NOT let you down. " by Kevin M., Past Client
  • "You will not find a finer, more experienced criminal attorney in Tallahassee to handle mistakes made by yourself or your student." by Kim, Parent of Past Client
  • "I will definitely be recommending his firm to anyone I come across that needs legal counsel. Thank you Don! You put our anxiety at ease and established a relationship and referrals for a lifetime!" by Kim S., Past Client
  • "Highly recommended if you need the best representation" by L.L., Past Client
  • "His passion for justice is second only to his unwavering commitment to his clients." by Michael M., Past Client
  • "If he is involved in your case, you can expect a thorough and compassionate experience with a very good outcome" by Ruth A., Relative of Past Client
  • "A highly proficient and credible lawyer, but one that actually cares about you, your financial circumstances, and looking for the best options available to you. " by Ryan P.
  • "He worked relentlessly to achieve the best possible outcome in my circumstances. " by T.K., Past Client
  • ""Best Lawyer in Town"" by Yohan Lange, Former Client

Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs

Tallahassee drug offense attorney

Drug crimes most often are associated with drugs such as heroin, cocaine and meth. However, one of the largest drug issues in the country is the abuse of prescription medication. Law enforcement agencies throughout the nation have been trying to decrease prescription pill trade. Agencies often holding days in which residents can turn over unused medication to safely dispose of it.

Frequently, people charged with illegal possession a prescription drug have been accused of “doctor shopping” or have been involved with “pill mill” pain clinics. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes people may have been getting a prescription for a family member, or were prescribed a medication from an illegitimate doctor.

If you have been charged with illegal possession of prescription drugs in Florida, you can face very harsh penalties. This offense can lead to prison time, fines or both. It can be charged as a Florida state offense or a federal offense. A drug attorney in Tallahassee can help fight the charges.

Attorney for Prescription Drug Possession in Tallahassee

If you have been charged with illegal possession of prescription drugs in Leon County, it is important to hire an experienced attorney who will fight for a favorable outcome for your situation. The attorneys at are experienced in fighting drug possession charges, and are knowledgeable about Florida’s drug laws.

Pumphrey Law represents clients throughout the Florida Panhandle, including Bristol in Liberty County, Crawfordville in Wakulla County, Monticello in Jefferson County and Quincy in Gadsden County. Call (850) 681-7777 for a free consultation.


Information About Prescription Drug Possession


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Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs

In Florida, it is illegal to possess any amount of a prescription drug without legal permission, such as a valid prescription, according to Florida Statutes § 893.13(6)(a). This means you cannot possess a prescription for another person or have a prescription from someone who is not authorized to write them.

There are some exceptions, however, including medical professionals who are in possession of the medication or drug representatives who are required to transport the medication, according to according to Florida Statutes § 893.13(9)(c). This means it would not apply to pharmacists, practitioners, common carriers and law enforcement officers when handling the narcotics in the course of their professions.

Four types of prescription drugs commonly are abused:

  • Opioids, which are highly addictive and typically prescribed for pain relief;
  • Central nervous system depressants, like sedatives and tranquilizers, prescribed for sleep disorders;
  • Anxiety medications such as Xanax; and,
  • Stimulants used to treat conditions like ADHD, narcolepsy, depression and obesity,

College campuses throughout the nation have seen students use amphetamines, such as Adderall, to excel at their studies. However, possessing the drug without a legal documentation is a crime.


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Florida Drug Schedules for Possession of Prescription Drugs

Florida Statutes § 893.03 classifies prescription pills into different schedules, from Schedule I to Schedule V. Schedule I drugs usually have the most serious penalties, and Schedule V drugs have minimal punishment. Common prescription drugs are found in Schedule II, III and IV.

  • Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and no acknowledged medical use in the United States.
  • Schedule II drugs have a high potential for abuse and a very limited accepted medical use in the United States. Prescription drugs falling into this category are OxyContin, Morphine, Vicodin, Propoxyphene, Dexedrine, Demerol, Ritalin, Percocet and Hydrocodone.
  • Schedule III drugs have a potential for abuse, but lower than Schedule I or II drugs and an accepted medical use in the United States. Examples of prescription drugs in this category are anabolic steroids, codeine combination prescription pills or Hydrocodone combination prescription pills.
  • Schedule IV drugs have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule III drugs and accepted medical uses in the United States. Some examples of prescription pills in this category are Xanax, Ambien, Valium, Darvocet and Klonopin.

A conviction for illegally possessing prescription drugs defined in Schedule I, II, III or IV is a felony of the third degree. This felony can lead to Florida prison time of five years or less, fines up to $5,000 or both. In addition, your driver’s license could be taken away.


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Distribution of Prescription Drugs in Florida

When a person is in possession of a large amount of prescription drugs, law enforcement officers may then charge the person with possession with intent to sell. It is unlawful for any person to sell, manufacture, or deliver drugs. It is also illegal to possess with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver any controlled substance in Florida. This includes prescription medication if the person in possession does not have a valid prescription or other legal documentation.

The penalty for drug distribution of a Schedule II narcotic is a second-degree felony. This offense carries a maximum prison term of 15 years and up to $10,000 in fines. Distributing Schedule III and IV controlled substances may be punished with a third-degree felony, which includes up to five years in prison and $5,000 in fines.


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Finding A Drug Lawyer in Tallahassee

If you have been charged with illegal possession of prescription drugs in Leon County, contact the attorneys at Pumphrey Law to discuss the specific facts of your case. An experienced drug defense attorney in Tallahassee can find applicable defenses to your charge, or any other mitigating circumstances.

Our team of attorneys has represented those accused of illegal possession of prescription drugs in Florida, and will aggressively fight your criminal charge. Contact Pumphrey Law today at (850) 681-7777 for a free consultation about your alleged prescription drug possession offense.

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