Senior Citizen Drug Dealers

Understanding the Issue

Recently, a news report highlighted a surprising trend: elderly individuals facing prosecution for involvement in drug-related activities. This raises a pressing question: how can a grandmother be charged for selling her prescribed medication?

The Financial Strain on Seniors

• Fixed Incomes: Many seniors live on limited pensions, making it difficult to cover daily expenses.
• Supplementing Income: Some find part-time work, like greeting at Walmart, while others deal with chronic illnesses, such as arthritis.
• Desperate Measures: A few have turned to selling their prescription medications as a way to make ends meet.

The Role of Drug Dealers

• Targeting Vulnerable Seniors: AARP reports that drug dealers often prey on older adults, using coercion or the lure of easy money.
• Entrapment: Once involved in selling their medication, many seniors find it hard to escape this illegal trade due to financial incentives and fear of retribution.

Commonly Dealt Drugs

• Prescription Medications: The primary drugs being sold include:
  • Oxycodone
  • Other painkillers
  • Antibiotics
• Staggering Statistics: Seniors in the U.S. account for about 40% of painkiller consumption, with some pills selling for as much as $50 each. This can be incredibly tempting for those in financial distress.

The Larger Impact

• Opioid Crisis: The sale of these drugs contributes significantly to overdose deaths, especially in regions like Western Pennsylvania, which is grappling with the opioid epidemic.
• Monthly Medication Management: Many seniors opt for 90-day supplies of medication, leading to potential excess that can be sold for profit.

Lack of Awareness

• Misunderstanding the Risks: Many elderly individuals may not fully understand the consequences of selling their medications, viewing it instead as a way to help others or address their financial needs.
• Consequences of the Trade: The dangers of these drugs and the legal ramifications of selling them often go unnoticed.

Legal Consequences

• Law Enforcement Action: Selling prescription drugs is illegal, and police, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), actively pursue these cases.
• Judicial Outcomes: While judges may offer lighter sentences to elderly defendants, arrests are still made. For many, this is their first encounter with the law.

Regulatory Responses

• Legislative Measures: Some states, including Pennsylvania, have enacted laws to mitigate the issue.
  • Prescription Limits: In November 2016, a law was passed limiting prescriptions from urgent care or emergency room doctors to a maximum of seven days.
  • Monitoring Programs: Doctors are required to check the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program to prevent abuse before prescribing opioids.

Ongoing Challenges

• Effectiveness of Regulations: While new laws aim to reduce prescription drug sales, the potential financial benefits for seniors may continue to drive this trend.

Legal Support for Seniors

If you or a loved one is facing charges for selling prescription drugs, it’s crucial to seek help. The Kittanning criminal lawyers at Logue Law Group are here to assist you. Our experienced team can work towards reducing or dismissing your charges.

Contact Us

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Call us at 844.PITT.DUI or visit our website for more information.