DEA defense attorneys at Norman Spencer Law Group PC represent clients in audits and investigations conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and subsequent court proceedings in relation to such crimes as drug diversion, trafficking, possession, manufacturing and sale.

The Drug Enforcement Administration is probably the largest drug law enforcement agency in the entire world. This federal agency’s mission is to combat drug smuggling and use in the U.S., and its investigators can operate far beyond the country’s borders. If a person is investigated by the DEA, the consequences may be extremely severe, in fact much harsher than those of drug arrests by state authorities, since it is most likely that the person is facing a federal criminal charge. Therefore, it is necessary to request legal representation on early stages of DEA audits and investigations.

The fact is that in many cases targets of the agency’s officials find out that an investigation is under way only when they are arrested. However, there is still a chance you may learn about it on earlier investigation stages, before any charges are filed. In this case, you may receive a warrant, notice of inspection or an administrative subpoena. But whatever your situation, be extremely cautious not to discuss it with anyone, and investigators in particular, until you have spoken to a DEA criminal lawyer. Contact us before you make any statements.

Timely help of experienced DEA defense attorneys at Norman Spencer Law Group PC can make a huge difference and allow the client to prevent the audit from deteriorating into criminal prosecution, or if necessary lead the client through court proceedings and reach a satisfying settlement in court.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Inspector General, drug diversion is when prescription drugs are improperly used for illegal purposes. Multiple parties may be charged in conjunction with such activities.

For instance, a doctor who sells Oxycontin tablets to a drug dealer may face diversion-related criminal penalties, but so could the drug dealer and potentially any individuals who purchase the drugs for their personal use. As with other drug crimes, charges can be combined together by prosecutors who push for harsher penalties.

DEA drug diversion criminal investigations vary widely. Many involve other law enforcement agencies, and officials might observe suspected drug providers for some time before taking action.

After gathering evidence they think they’ll be able to use in court, they may pursue formal charges or set up sting operations in which they pose as drug dealers or other illicit users so that they can justify arrests or evidence seizures.

Some states have attempted to stop drug diversion with their own laws. These statutes may be applied to secure evidence of suspected wrongdoing. For instance, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that 23 different states prevent valid patients from obtaining more than 30-day supplies of medication.

Many states have limits on emergency dispensing. DEA investigations can focus specifically on violations of these laws by trying to get pharmacies or doctors to fulfill orders they shouldn’t.

Drug users might also be targeted for accusations of related crimes, like doctor shopping, or trying to get multiple prescriptions filled by covertly going to different doctors. Unfortunately, many people don’t know their rights, and they may be coerced into making statements to investigators that put them in tricky positions.

When threatened with diversion charges coupled with conspiracy and drug distribution allegations, some accused individuals end up accepting plea deals that aren’t as favorable as they seem. Doctors and nurses are also vulnerable to such prosecutorial maneuvers.

Norman Spencer and his colleagues have more than 7 decades of compound experience of representing alleged drug offenders as well as DEA registrants and their patients in investigations, audits and subsequent criminal proceedings. With multiple DEA investigations behind our back, we are more than capable of efficiently representing your interests in interaction with the authorities.