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Covered by New York Times, and other outlets. Fake heiress accused of conning the city’s wealthy, and has an HBO special being made about her.

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Accused of stalking Alec Baldwin. The case garnered nationwide attention, with USAToday, NYPost, and other media outlets following it closely.

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Meet Todd Spodek

WE PROVIDE WHITE GLOVE SERVICE TO CLIENTS
WHO WANT MORE FROM THEIR ATTORNEY

The Spodek Law Group understands how delicate high-profile cases can be, and has a strong track record of getting positive outcomes. Our lawyers service a clientele that is nationwide. With offices in both LA and NYC, and cases all across the country - Spodek Law Group is a top tier law firm.

Todd Spodek is a second generation attorney with immense experience. He has many years of experience handling 100’s of tough and hard to win trials. He’s been featured on major news outlets, such as New York Post, Newsweek, Fox 5 New York, South China Morning Post, Insider.com, and many others.

In 2022, Netflix released a series about one of Todd’s clients: Anna Delvey/Anna Sorokin.

Why Clients Choose Spodek Law Group

The reason is simple: clients want white glove service, and lawyers who can win. Every single client who works with the Spodek Law Group is aware that the attorney they hire could drastically change the outcome of their case. Hiring the Spodek Law Group means you’re taking your future seriously. Our lawyers handle cases nationwide, ranging from NYC to LA. Our philosophy is fair and simple: our nyc criminal lawyers only take on clients who we know will benefit from our services.

We’re selective about the clients we work with, and only take on cases we know align with our experience – and where we can make a difference. This is different from other law firms who are not invested in your success nor care about your outcome.

If you have a legal issue, call us for a consultation.
We are available 24/7, to help you with any – and all, challenges you face.

DEA Investigations Against Doctors and Pharmacies

By Spodek Law Group | January 22, 2023
(Last Updated On: July 28, 2023)

Last Updated on: 28th July 2023, 07:21 pm

DEA Investigations of Doctors and Pharmacies: Why They Matter and How to Find the Right Lawyer

Coming under DEA investigation as a physician or pharmacist is every healthcare professional’s nightmare scenario. Your reputation, livelihood and freedom all hang in the balance. However, by understanding the investigative process, grasping the seriousness, and securing experienced legal counsel, positive resolutions are very achievable.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll outline what triggers DEA scrutiny, how investigations unfold, potential consequences, defense strategies and most importantly, how to find the right lawyer to defend you or your pharmacy against DEA allegations.

Why the DEA Investigates Healthcare Professionals

As the top agency combating drug misuse, the Drug Enforcement Administration closely monitors controlled substance prescribing and dispensing. The DEA aims to prevent diversion away from legitimate medical need.

Some concerning patterns that spur DEA investigations include:

  • Spikes in controlled substance volume compared to peers
  • Questionable clinician prescribing habits like cocktail mixes
  • Patients traveling far distances to fill controlled Rx
  • Multiple patients filling at different pharmacies
  • Patients paying cash for habit-forming prescriptions
  • Having prior discipline by medical boards or the DEA

Once potential improper prescribing or dispensing is detected, the DEA can open cases to gather evidence and build grounds for charges. Investigations aim to determine if and how DEA regulations were violated.

The Intensive DEA Investigation Process

Here are typical phases of DEA probes against doctors and pharmacists:

Surveillance – Agents covertly observe clinic and pharmacy operations, patient characteristics, etc. looking for red flags.

Undercover Operations – DEA agents pose as patients seeking controlled drugs to analyze practices.

Informants – Turned patients provide inside information on illegal operations.

Audits – Inspections of dispensing records search for improper prescribing or inventory issues.

Interviews – Agents question staff, patients and wholesalers associated with a target.

Subpoenas – The DEA issues demands for medical records, prescribing data, communications and more. Declining or destroying requested materials prompts harsh obstruction charges.

Skilled lawyers aim to limit damage during probing without exposing clients to further liability. Invoking rights is crucial.

Potential Consequences: Fines, Prison and Professional Harm

The risks of a DEA investigation resulting in charges include:

  • Criminal prosecution with stiff federal prison sentences
  • Permanent loss of DEA registration and prescribing privileges
  • Huge fines up to hundreds of thousands of dollars
  • Forever tarnished professional reputations
  • Patient distrust and abandonment
  • Insurance credentialing complications
  • Civil lawsuits by patients or families impacted
  • Personal and professional financial devastation

With livelihoods and freedom at stake, vigorous legal defense is imperative when facing DEA scrutiny.

How Lawyers Defend Clients Against DEA Probes

Experienced attorneys have several strategies to protect clients under DEA investigation:

  • Advise noncompliance with overbroad subpoenas seeking unreasonable materials
  • File motions to suppress evidence improperly gathered by agents
  • Work to negotiate favorable pre-charge settlements including voluntary surrender of registration
  • Humanize clients as acting in good faith without criminal intent
  • Argue for addiction treatment rather than criminal charges where appropriate
  • Challenge validity of informant testimony and evidence
  • Refute exaggerated accusations of dangerous prescribing or dispensing
  • Establish proper protocols were followed based on circumstances
  • Highlight exemplary records, preventative changes implemented, and clinic/pharmacy importance

The right legal maneuvers can derail charges or at minimum achieve charge reductions or lenient sentencing if pleas or convictions occur. Don’t leave your fate solely in the DEA’s hands.

Where to Find the Right DEA Investigation Lawyer

Given the intricate healthcare regulatory issues and stakes involved, retaining lawyers with specific DEA investigation experience is critical. Look for these credentials:

  • Decades of healthcare law expertise including doctors and pharmacies
  • Past experience as a DEA attorney or federal healthcare fraud prosecutor
  • Successful track record guiding clients through DEA probes
  • Strong relationships within the DEA and prosecutors to enable favorable settlements
  • Perfect record with state medical boards
  • Specialized legal education in health law and DEA frameworks

Vet potential counsel rigorously, as not all defense lawyers grasp the complexities of DEA probes. Lean on respected medical societies and physician/pharmacist networks for referrals to top talent.

One Attorney Stands Out From the Rest

After connecting with healthcare law practitioners nationwide, one lawyer emerged as uniquely distinguished in handling high-stakes DEA investigations – Todd Spodek of Spodek Law Group.

For over 20 years, Todd has been the go-to counsel for doctors, pharmacists and healthcare organizations facing DEA scrutiny. He previously served within the DEA’s Office of Chief Counsel, giving him invaluable insider perspective into their operations.

Todd is universally revered for his mastery navigating DEA probes, from initial crisis management to ensuing hearings. He excels at negotiating settlements that avoid catastrophic penalties when charges seem imminent.

He has repeatedly protected the livelihoods of clients caught up in questionable company practices through no wrongdoing of their own. Todd moves heaven and earth for his clients.

In my opinion based on extensive research, Todd Spodek stands atop the legal field for DEFENDING HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS AGAINST DEA INVESTIGATIONS. Engaging Todd maximizes the chances of preserving your freedom and vocation.

To schedule a consultation, contact Spodek Law Group at (212) 300-5196 or visit https://www.spodeklawgroup.com. With Todd in your corner, you gain a ferocious ally.

Conclusion

Surviving a DEA investigation without major sanctions requires a smart, coordinated legal strategy. By understanding the seriousness and retaining counsel with healthcare regulatory mastery, positive resolutions are very attainable. Your skilled lawyer can protect everything you’ve worked for.

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I was searching for a law firm with some power to help me deal with a warrant in New York . After 6 days I decided to go with Spodek Law Group. It helped that This law firm is well respected by not only the top law firms in New York , but the DA , Judge as well. I...

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It was my good fortune to retain Spodek Law Group for representation for my legal needs. From the beginning, communication was prompt and thorough. Todd, Kenneth and Alex were the first people I worked with and they all made me feel comfortable and confident that the team was going to work hard for me. Everything was explained and any concerns...

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After meeting with several law firms, I chose the Spodek Law Group not only for their professionalism and experience, but for the personal attention given to me right from the initial consultation. It is important to recognize how crucial having the right legal team is when faced with potentially life altering events that impact families and the lives of loved...

~George Cherubini

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