Senior Citizen Drug Dealers

A recent news story highlighted a surprising trend: elderly individuals being prosecuted as drug dealers for selling their prescribed medication. It’s a situation that might initially seem shocking, not because seniors are involved, but because they are facing serious legal consequences for actions often driven by financial hardship.

It’s a well-known fact that many seniors live on fixed incomes, making it difficult to cover daily expenses. While some find part-time jobs, like greeting shoppers at a local store or working at a movie theater, many others are unable to work due to chronic health issues such as arthritis. For this group, a new, albeit illegal, source of income has emerged.

Why Do Seniors Get Involved in Selling Prescription Drugs?

According to a report from AARP, drug dealers are increasingly targeting senior citizens. They use a combination of coercion and financial incentives to lure them into this illegal trade. Once a senior starts selling their medication, it becomes incredibly difficult to stop. The promise of extra money, combined with the fear of what the drug dealer might do, creates a powerful trap. An experienced Wheeling criminal lawyer can provide guidance if you find yourself in such a complex situation.

Which Drugs Are Commonly Sold?

The medications most frequently involved in these illegal sales include:

• Oxycodone and other powerful painkillers
• Antibiotics
• Other daily prescribed medications

Statistics show a concerning reality: elderly individuals in the United States consume about 40% of all painkillers. On the black market, a single one of these pills can be sold for up to $50. This high price makes selling them a tempting way for an older person to supplement their income and afford basic necessities. If you’re facing charges related to these substances, consulting a Wheeling DUI attorney is a critical step.

The Broader Consequences of This Trend

The impact of this activity goes far beyond the individuals involved. The same prescription drugs being sold are a major contributor to overdose deaths, fueling the devastating opioid epidemic that has affected communities across West Virginia and neighboring states.

Even individuals in their 90s are participating. Insurance companies often encourage patients to get 90-day supplies of their medications to save costs. When a senior has more pills than they need over that three-month period, the opportunity to make a significant profit arises. Working with a skilled Wheeling criminal lawyer can help navigate the complexities of prescription drug laws.

Lack of Awareness Among the Elderly

It is also important to consider that many seniors may not fully understand the legal severity or the dangers associated with selling their prescriptions. They might see it as simply helping someone in need or as a clever way to pay their bills. The serious and often fatal consequences of these drugs might be completely unknown to them. A knowledgeable Wheeling DUI attorney can help clarify the legal risks and provide critical defense if charges arise.

Law Enforcement’s Stance on Senior Drug Dealing

Police departments and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) actively investigate and prosecute the sale of prescription drugs by senior citizens. Although judges may impose lighter sentences on elderly defendants and juries are often surprised by their age, law enforcement agencies continue to make arrests. For many of these seniors, this is their first encounter with the legal system. A knowledgeable Wheeling DUI attorney can be an invaluable asset in these situations.

Legislative Efforts to Combat the Problem

Some states have introduced new laws to address this issue. For instance, West Virginia passed legislation in November 2016 that took effect on January 1, 2017. This law limits emergency room and urgent care doctors to prescribing no more than a seven-day supply of opioids. It also prevents these doctors from writing refills and mandates that they refer patients suspected of substance abuse for treatment. Furthermore, they must check the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to confirm the patient hasn’t recently received opioids from another doctor.

While such laws are a positive step toward reducing the problem, they are unlikely to eliminate it entirely. For many elderly individuals, the financial benefits of selling their medication still seem to outweigh the potential legal risks.

Contact Logue Law Group’s Criminal Lawyers

If you or an elderly family member has been arrested for selling prescription drugs, it is crucial to get help from the skilled and experienced legal team at Logue Law Group. Our Wheeling criminal lawyers can work to have your charges reduced or even dismissed. Don’t face this alone. Contact us today at 844.PITT.DUI or learn more by visiting our website.