William G. Yarborough

Doctors can face charges over running ‘pill mills’ for patients

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Chronic and severe pain can arise for many reasons. People may have degenerative conditions like multiple sclerosis. They may have traumatic injuries, including significant fractures. They might even have serious pain due to intensive treatment, such as chemotherapy administered to kill cancer.

The intense pain that patients experience can put a lot of stress on their bodies. Pain management is therefore a crucial element of proper medical care. Physicians could theoretically help many people by legally prescribing opioid pain medications.

Modern narcotic pain relievers are highly effective. They are also more accessible and affordable than they were when the only option was traditional opiate drugs. Unfortunately, physicians who make compassion their personal trademark might put themselves at risk of prosecution. The state might accuse them of running a “pill mill.”

What is a pill mill?

Pill mills are medical practices that give out too much pain medication. Some doctors over-prescribe opioids. They don’t scrutinize the claims of a patient presenting concerning symptoms. They may prescribe medication to someone who already has prescriptions from another physician or who doesn’t truly have a debilitating medical condition.

They may offer too many refills or too high of a dose given someone’s condition. They may give medication to someone who already has an opioid use disorder. Particularly in scenarios where doctors prescribe high doses and large quantities of medication without much direct oversight, regulatory officials may view their practices as pill mills.

Both federal and state prosecutors can sometimes bring charges against licensed medical professionals for their prescribing habits. Doctors may end up accused of drug offenses when their only real desire was to improve the quality of life of their patients in pain.

Allegations can cause various consequences

Drug charges related to operating an alleged pill mill can have numerous consequences for a physician. If they are an employee at a corporate medical practice, their job might be at risk. If they plead guilty in the hopes of a lenient sentence, they might lose their license to practice medicine.

Media attention on their criminal case could damage their reputation, especially if they run an independent private practice. A conviction might lead to jail time and financial penalties as well as an inability to practice medicine in the future. Doctors accused of inappropriate prescribing practices may need help defending themselves against those allegations.

Reviewing patient records and current best practices with a skilled legal team could help doctors defend against prescription-related drug charges in criminal court. Physicians who respond assertively to accusations can potentially vindicate their medical decisions and protect their careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a lawyer?

If you have been charged with a crime, arrested, or under investigation then you need a lawyer.

When you’re charged with a crime, there may be potential penalties that you’re not aware of. But there are ways to defend against the charges, too. Your lawyer can strategize for your case. They can represent you in court and to the prosecutor, putting their expertise to work for you.

Even if the charges don’t seem significant now, they may affect you in the future. Your lawyer defends your freedom and your best interests. If you’re facing a criminal charge or police investigation, contact a criminal defense lawyer.

What steps should I take immediately to protect my rights?

If you’re arrested or charged with a crime, be polite – but don’t consent to any search. Politely say that you refuse to answer any questions. Don’t resist the law enforcement officer.

Exercise your right to remain silent. This includes law enforcement officers before and after the arrest. It also means not talking to others at the police station, your friends, extended family, and social media. The things you say can be used against you.

Ask to contact your lawyer. Then call us right away. We can represent you at your next court hearing. Save everything that you think may be relevant to the case.

How long will my case take?

Every case has a different timeline depending on the severity and facts of the case. Some criminal charges can be resolved in just a few weeks. Others can take several months.

As your lawyer, William G. Yarborough will help you balance the various factors. It can take time to build defenses and/or negotiate a favorable plea agreement. It may be worth it to wait to go to trial. Other times, it’s best to take a plea deal.

What’s right for you depends on multiple factors. Attorney Yarborough can advise you on what he thinks is your best course of action.

Will my case go to trial?

There may be non-trial options available to you. You may secure a plea bargain or a pre-trial case diversion. Sometimes, preliminary motions can result in charges being dismissed.

However, you always have the right to a trial. In a trial, the prosecutor must prove the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt.

Most cases don’t end up going to trial. But what matters is your case. Attorney Yarborough will work with you on a personalized case plan that reflects your interests and goals.

If your case does go to trial, Attorney William G. Yarborough is prepared to aggressively defend you in court.

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