Senior Citizen Drug Dealers

A Growing Concern Among Elderly Communities

Recent reports have brought attention to the shocking trend of elderly individuals becoming involved in drug-related activities and facing prosecution as drug dealers. The startling aspect isn’t just their involvement, but the reality that seniors are being charged for selling their prescribed medications. Imagine the baffling scenario of a grandmother appearing in court for selling what was meant to alleviate her own pain.

Seniors, especially those on fixed incomes, often struggle to make ends meet. While some opt for part-time jobs like greeting at department stores or selling tickets at theaters, others are battling chronic conditions, including arthritis, and cannot take on additional work. For some, selling prescription drugs has emerged as an unintentional way to alleviate financial strain.

How Seniors Are Lured into Drug Dealing

Studies, including those from AARP, reveal that drug dealers often target senior citizens. They exploit their vulnerability, enticing them with financial compensation or manipulating them through coercion. Once seniors become entangled in the trade of selling their medications, it’s difficult to escape. The promise of financial relief and the fear of retaliation from dealers creates a dangerous cycle.

What Medications Are Being Sold?

The drugs frequently traded by seniors include:

• Prescription painkillers like oxycodone
• Antibiotics and medications meant for daily usage

Shockingly, seniors in America account for approximately 40% of painkiller consumption. These painkillers, in particular, can fetch high prices, often soaring to $50 per pill, presenting an irresistible opportunity for financially strained seniors in places like Uniontown.

Financial Relief vs. Dangerous Trade

For many elderly individuals, excess medications from 90-day supplies provided by insurance create an avenue for profit. Many seniors, especially within Uniontown and Fayette County, might not fully understand the extent of the dangers involved. To them, selling prescribed medications may appear to help individuals in urgent need or seem like a creative solution for covering rising living expenses.

However, the ripple effects of this trade extend far beyond the seller. The medications entering illegal markets fuel overdose cases, contributing to the devastating opioid crisis in places like Fayette County.

Legal Implications for the Elderly

The sale of prescription medication is heavily monitored by law enforcement, and despite a senior’s age or intentions, arrests are commonly made. Law enforcement and agencies like the Drug Enforcement Agency continue to prosecute these cases, even as judges may grant leniency due to the defendants’ advanced age. For many seniors in Uniontown, their involvement in drug-related activities marks their first encounter with the legal system.

What Measures Are in Place?

Pennsylvania has implemented regulations to combat prescription drug misuse. For instance:

• On January 1, 2017, a law came into effect limiting the amount of opioids urgent care or ER physicians can prescribe to seven days.
• Health professionals cannot prescribe refills without screening patients suspected of substance issues.
• Physicians must verify patient prescription histories via the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program.

While these measures are a step toward addressing the issue, they don’t entirely eliminate the temptation for some seniors to sell surplus medications. The financial allure often outweighs the consequences.

How Logue Law Group Can Assist

Legal troubles stemming from prescription drug allegations can be overwhelming, especially for seniors and their families. If you or someone close to you in Uniontown or Fayette County faces arrest for selling prescription drugs, the Uniontown criminal lawyers at Logue Law Group can help.

Our experienced team of legal experts has an in-depth understanding of these cases and can work to reduce or dismiss your charges. Whether you’re facing prosecution for allegedly selling painkillers or other medications, you deserve a strong defense.

Additionally, recognizing that many seniors may unintentionally break the law due to financial needs, our Uniontown DUI lawyers and criminal attorneys ensure that every case is treated with sensitivity and expertise. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation.

Contact Logue Law Group Today

Take charge of your situation now. Contact Logue Law Group at 844.PITT.DUI or visit our website to learn more about how we can assist you. When you need a trusted Uniontown criminal lawyer, we are here to provide the support and representation essential for your case.

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