State Files Charges Against Local Doctor for Obtaining Controlled Substances

PInellas County authorities have charged a local doctor with writing fraudulent prescriptions so she could obtain controlled substances. Bay News Nine reported in this article that Dr. Lynne Columbus was arrested and charged with two counts of actually obtaining or trying to obtain controlled substances by fraud. Citing the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, the article states that an investigation began sometime last month. Pinellas County Detectives received information that Dr. Columbus wrote prescriptions in other people’s names and tried to fill them.
Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud is a third degree felony in the state of Florida. If convicted of using fraud to obtain controlled substances, the maximum penalty is five years in prison and a $5,000.00 fine. The burden of proof lies with the state that a person  obtained  controlled substances through misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception or subterfuge.
It is extremely important for anyone charged with prescription fraud to contact a Florida Criminal Defense Attorney immediately. Typically prescription drug crime offenders are dealing with a serious addiction problem and need help. They are often suffering from serious pain and are prescribed strong medications that often become addictive, which is why they search for other ways to obtain more drugs. These types of cases require the assistance of a compassionate Florida Criminal Defense Attorney that can work towards getting unnecessary charges dropped or reduced so the accused can get the help he or she needs.
First time offenders may have many options available to them. If you have been arrested for possession of a controlled substance or obtaining controlled substances by fraud, contact us today for a free case evaluation. The attorneys at The Reissman Law Group, P.A. can provide you with compassionate care, while pursuing the truth and justice you deserve.
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