Senior Citizen Drug Dealers

Elderly Individuals Entangled in Drug Charges

Recent news has brought attention to senior citizens involved in drug-related activities, with some facing legal prosecution as drug dealers. The surprising aspect is not their participation but their prosecution. Can you imagine a grandmother being charged for selling her prescribed medication?

Struggles of Senior Citizens to Make Ends Meet

Many seniors, often constrained by fixed incomes, have to find innovative ways to manage their finances. Some supplement their pensions by taking on jobs like greeting shoppers or working at movie theaters; however, others face a daily battle with illnesses that make such options unfeasible. Chronic conditions like arthritis leave many in constant pain.

For some, selling prescription drugs has presented itself as a way to create much-needed income, albeit illegal.

How Seniors Are Drawn Into the Trade

Reports from AARP reveal that drug dealers often target seniors, coercing or enticing them financially to sell their prescription medications. Once entrapped, elderly individuals find it difficult to leave this illicit cycle. The combination of financial temptation and fear of reprisals from dealers creates a challenging situation to escape.

Commonly Sold Drugs

Senior citizens predominantly deal with prescription medications such as oxycodone and other painkillers. Antibiotics and other daily-use medications are also part of the trade. Surprisingly, seniors in the United States are reported to consume 40% of all painkillers.

Given that these pills can sell for as much as $50 per dose, the lure becomes almost irresistible for those struggling to make ends meet. Even individuals as old as 91 are participating, selling excess pills from their prescribed 90-day medication supplies.

The Impact of the Prescription Drug Trade

The ripple effects of this trade are devastating. Prescription drugs sold illegally fuel overdose deaths and contribute significantly to the opioid epidemic ravaging communities in Erie County.

Additionally, many seniors lack awareness of the serious consequences of selling their medications. What may seem like lending a helping hand or covering essential expenses to them is, in fact, a dangerous and criminal activity. Our Erie DUI attorney is ready to help you.

Legal Consequences for Seniors

Despite their age and lack of prior criminal records, law enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Agency treat such cases seriously. Senior citizens caught in this trade face prosecution, though judges often give lighter sentences and juries express astonishment at their age.

Legislative Actions and Their Effectiveness

To tackle this issue, states like Pennsylvania are regulating prescription medications. Erie County has implemented measures such as limiting the number of pills prescribed by urgent care or emergency room doctors to a maximum of seven days. Effective since January 1, 2017, this law also prohibits refills without referring for substance abuse treatment and requires physicians to check the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program before prescribing opioids.

While these regulations aim to mitigate the problem, completely eradicating it remains unlikely. For many seniors, the financial allure of selling medications still outweighs the potential legal consequences.

Expert Legal Support for Prescription Drug Charges in Erie County

If you or a loved one is facing charges for selling prescription drugs, the experienced Erie criminal lawyers at Logue Law Group are here to help. Whether you’re looking to minimize or dismiss charges, our team of seasoned attorneys can provide expert guidance every step of the way.

Don’t wait if you’re facing legal troubles. Contact us today at 844.PITT.DUI or visit our website to learn how we can assist you.

Helping residents of Erie County, Logue Law Group is committed to navigating the legal system with expertise and compassion.