Elderly Individuals Facing Prosecution for Drug Distribution

Recently, a specific news broadcast captured my attention, highlighting a troubling trend involving elderly citizens participating in illicit drug activities and subsequently facing prosecution as drug dealers. I must confess, I was startled—not necessarily by the fact that they were involved, but by the reality that they were being actively prosecuted. It begs the question: are we really charging grandmothers for selling their own prescribed medication?

The Financial Reality for Seniors

It is a well-known fact that many senior citizens live on restricted, fixed incomes and must be incredibly resourceful just to pay their bills. While some may be physically capable of taking on part-time employment to supplement their pensions—perhaps greeting customers at Walmart or selling tickets at a movie theater—many others are battling severe illnesses or enduring the daily agony of conditions like arthritis. Consequently, they have stumbled upon a dangerous new avenue to generate much-needed revenue. If you find yourself in legal trouble due to these desperate financial choices, consulting a Morgantown criminal lawyer is a critical step to protecting your rights.

The Role of Coercion and Entrapment

According to reports from the AARP, established drug dealers frequently target senior citizens, drawing them into the trade through a mix of coercion and the allure of financial compensation. Once an elderly person becomes entangled in selling their prescription medication, escaping the grip of this illicit enterprise is exceptionally difficult. The temptation of the money offered, combined with a genuine fear of retribution from the drug dealer, creates a potent trap. Navigating these complex coercion cases often requires the insight of a Morgantown DUI attorney or a legal professional familiar with criminal defense strategies.

The Drugs and the Impact

Which drugs are being traded? The inventory primarily consists of Oxycodone and other strong painkillers, alongside antibiotics and various medications prescribed for daily maintenance. Shockingly, statistics suggest that elderly individuals in the United States account for a staggering 40% of all painkiller consumption. On the street, these pills can fetch as much as $50 each—a highly tempting proposition for an older person simply trying to make ends meet. Tragically, the consequences of this trade go far beyond money. These drugs fuel overdose deaths and play a significant role in the opioid epidemic currently gripping Western Pennsylvania. In such serious matters, representation by a Morgantown criminal lawyer is essential.

Supply, Demand, and Misunderstanding

Even at the advanced age of 91, individuals have been found taking advantage of their monthly medication supplies. They often opt for the more cost-effective 90-day quantities, a practice encouraged by their insurance providers. When they find themselves with a surplus of pills within that three-month window, the potential for substantial profit becomes clear.

Furthermore, it is worth noting that many elderly individuals may not fully grasp the severity of selling their prescriptions, nor do they understand the dangers associated with these drugs. In their minds, they are merely helping someone in need or finding a creative way to cover essential expenses. The grave consequences remain largely unknown to them until they face charges, at which point a Morgantown DUI attorney or defense lawyer becomes necessary.

Legal Consequences and Pennsylvania Regulations

The practice of senior citizens selling prescription drugs is heavily frowned upon by police and the Drug Enforcement Agency. Despite judges often granting lighter sentences to elderly defendants and juries expressing surprise over their age, law enforcement agencies continue to make arrests. For many of these seniors, this represents their very first involvement with the law.

Some states, including Pennsylvania, have taken legislative steps to address the issue by implementing strict regulations on prescription medications. In November 2016, the legislature passed a law that strictly limits the quantity of pills that can be prescribed by urgent care or emergency room doctors to a maximum of seven days. Additionally, these doctors are prohibited from writing prescriptions for refills without referring patients suspected of substance abuse for treatment. They are also required to check the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to ensure the patient has not been given opioids by another provider. This law officially became effective on January 1, 2017.

Pittsburgh Criminal Lawyers at Mountaineer Law Group

While this new law is expected to curb the problem, it is unlikely to eradicate it completely. The advantages of selling drugs often outweigh the potential consequences for seniors, making it an enticing prospect. If you or a family member in Berks County is facing arrest for selling prescription drugs, seek the assistance of the expert team at Mountaineer Law Group. Our experienced Morgantown criminal lawyer team can help in reducing or dismissing your charges. Don’t wait, contact us today at (304) 381-3656 or visit our website for more information.