49th Street Bail Bonds Discusses Rise in Prescription Drug Abuse

Clearwater, FL, June 24, 2016 --(PR.com)-- Since the death of the recording artist Prince a couple of months ago, 49th Street Bail Bonds in Clearwater, Florida wants consumers to be aware of the increase of prescription drug abuse in the United States. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states, “That 52 million Americans over the age of 12 have used prescription drugs non-medically in their lifetime.” The Center for Lawful Access and Abuse Deterrence states that “Nearly 9 out of 10 poisoning deaths are caused by drugs- both illicit and prescribed.”

Fentanyl, the drug that singer/musician Prince overdosed on, is highly addictive. People who use this opioid frequently develop a tolerance for it and need to have higher and higher dosages in order to obtain the same level of pain relief that was initially achieved. In order to obtain their prescription, patients frequently engage in “doctor shopping.” According to Florida Statute 893.13, “Doctor shopping is where a patient withholds information from a practitioner from whom the person seeks to obtain a controlled substance or a prescription for a controlled substance when the person making the request has received a controlled substance or a prescription for a controlled substance of like therapeutic use from another practitioner within the previous 30 days.” If a person is caught doctor shopping, they can be charged and face penalties that range from up to a five-year sentence in prison, felony conviction, and a fine of up to $5,000.00.

Other consumers turn to doctor shopping in order to obtain prescriptions then turn around and sell the pills illegally. This action can lead to a charge in drug trafficking and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. A person charged with drug trafficking faces penalties based upon the type and amount of drug trafficked. Prison sentences and fines will vary and range from 3 years in prison to up to 25 years in prison and fines ranging from $25,000.00 to $500,000.00 based upon the charges. A person charged with possession of a controlled substance faces either a misdemeanor or felony based upon the type of controlled substance. Penalties can range from imprisonment for up to 60 days to up to 15 years in prison. Fines also vary depending on the charge and can go as high as $10,000.00.

Joe Von Waldner, owner of 49th Street Bail Bonds, states, “We have seen an increase of people being arrested and charged with doctor shopping, drug trafficking, and possession of a controlled substance for over ten years. I have written a blog on my website that furthers explain prescription drug abuse, the various charges associated with such drug abuse, and signs that a loved one might be addicted to painkillers. This blog post can be found at http://49thstreetbailbonds.com/prescription-drugs/.”

49th Street Bail Bonds is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and all year long to help defendants bail from jail. This Clearwater based bail bond agency has experienced and knowledgeable bail bond agents to navigate clients through the criminal justice system and bail bond process. They are the bondsman on 49th Street to lend an empathetic ear and help clients in their time of need. Consumers are asked to call 727-592-0000 to learn more about the bail bonds process.

49th Street Bail Bonds serves all of Pinellas County including Clearwater, Largo, Seminole, Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Bay Pines, and St. Pete Beach. Their office is located at 12211 49th Street North, Suite #2, in Clearwater, Florida just south of the Pinellas County Jail. This Clearwater bail bond agency has bailed clients out of jail for charges ranging from doctor shopping, drug trafficking, possession of a controlled substance including Opioid drugs such as Fentanyl, Morphine, and Oxycodone. They also offer bail for DUI, burglary, domestic violence, neglect, child abuse and all other charges.

To learn more about this bail bond company in Clearwater, Florida, please visit online at: www.49thstreetbailbonds.com. 49th Street Bail Bonds accepts bond payments online via most major credit cards and can also help clients who are in jail throughout the state of Florida.