Writing a prescription is something doctors do countless times each day,
all over the world. It is an essential part of them treating their patients,
many who suffer from tremendous pain. When accusations of wrong-doing
arise, it is important for doctors to take such allegations seriously.
Allegations of illegal prescription writing can have detrimental effects
on a doctor’s reputation and ability to practice medicine in the future.

One New Jersey doctor is facing a battle to preserve his reputation this
week, after prosecutors charged him with illegal sale of prescription
drugs. Authorities are accusing the doctor of writing prescriptions for
Oxycodone, a pain medication, in exchange for money.

The doctor along with 12 other people were arrested, and charged with various
prescription drug crimes. Authorities say they learned of the people involved
in the alleged crime by searching pharmacy records, after investigators
supposedly received a tip that the doctor was prescribing doses of the
medication that were more than necessary.

Now, because of the severity of the charges, the doctor has ended up in
the news, doing damage to his reputation even before he has a chance at
a fair trial. Some things that might be determined through the legal process
include: how much of the prescription is too much, if the sensitive information
was legally obtained by authorities, and are the witnesses credible or
just people who don’t like the doctor.

A good criminal defense attorney could help build a case and gather information
to preserve the doctor’s innocence. Due to the sensitive nature of
the alleged crime, the people charged with prescription drug crimes may
need an attorney who can conduct their own investigation and that is knowledgeable
in dealing with the media.

Source: Northjersey.com, “Emerson doctor, 12 others, charged with distribution
of Oxycodone,” Kimberly Redmond, Dec. 21, 2011