On behalf of Raymond V. Giudice, P.C. posted in Drug Crimes on Thursday, January 17, 2013

Georgia state law is very tough on drug crimes, but when cases involve the purchase or sale of narcotics federal law may be applied, which can be much harsher. Federal cases often lead to mandatory minimum sentences, which is one reason why they must be taken very seriously by defendants.

Four Atlanta area residents were indicted on federal drug and money laundering charges earlier this week for their alleged roles running "pill mills," according to a news report. Convictions could lead to steep fines as well as up to 20 years in prison.

"Pill mill" is a term used to describe operations that prescribe pain medications outside of the legal scope of a medical practice.

The charges stem from summer raids on several pain clinics in the Atlanta area. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration had reportedly been investigating the clinics since 2009. The four people who have been arrested include a married couple who owned the clinics and two doctors; all four people are between the ages of 51 and 63.

The government has accused the four of working together to prescribe oxycodone and other pain medications to drug addicts and drug dealers. One of the doctors is specifically accused of signing prescriptions without actually evaluating patients.

Allegations such as these are very complex. Not only is a lot at stake in this criminal case, but in the meantime the reputations of the medical professionals are likely becoming very damaged. The prosecutors have said that their medical licenses should be revoked but it is unclear whether this has been done.

In cases like these, people are often wise to seek legal counsel as sure as they know an investigation is underway. Federal drug cases are very complicated and it is imperative that defendants protect their rights and put together an aggressive defense strategy.

Source: TheCitizen.com, "4 indicted for phony pain clinic," John Munford, Jan. 17, 2013

• Our Atlanta criminal defense law firm handles cases like the one discussed here. To learn more about drug felonies defense and federal drug crimes defense, please take a look at our website.