Federal-level criminal offenses come with serious penalties, such as time behind bars, expensive fines and other grave consequences. One Michigan doctor is facing the possibility of extensive jail time after he was convicted of health care fraud, which is a federal offense. A jury decided he was guilty of 30 different counts related to his role in a $35 million operation involving controlled substances. Before his arrest, the doctor ran a medical clinic in Southfield and Dearborn Heights.
Details of a drug operation
According to evidence brought by the prosecution during the trial, the doctor would write medically unnecessary prescriptions for patients. This includes Xanax, Oxycontin, Oxycodone, morphine and hydrocodone. He would often write these prescriptions after patients would pay him cash, an arrangement facilitated by recruiters who referred them to the practice.
There was also evidence that he prescribed other types of controlled substances, such as Ritalin, for no valid medical reason. Patients who had no legitimate need for these types of medications would receive prescriptions, then they would resell the drugs to others. After his conviction, the doctor is facing up to 20 years in a federal prison.
Seeking the best possible sentence
When convicted of a federal crime, one will likely face a significant amount of time behind bars. Post-conviction, a defendant has the right to pursue the most beneficial sentencing possible, in addition to exploring other legal options. This is one reason why it is critical to have experienced and knowledgeable legal guidance at every step of the criminal justice process.
