YOU MAY HAVE SEEN TODD SPODEK ON THE NETFLIX SHOW INVENTING ANNA
When you’re facing a federal issue, you need an attorney whose going to be available 24/7 to help you get the results and outcome you need. The value of working with the Spodek Law Group is that we treat each and every client like a member of our family.
DEA Investigations: Signs of Opioid Abuse That Pharmacies Must Watch Out For
The past two decades have seen opioid addiction grow into one of the country’s most pressing public health issues. To combat the crisis, the Drug Enforce Administration (DEA) is asking pharmacies to do more to keep dangerous drugs out of abusers’ hands. To stay on the right side of the law, pharmacies must actively seek to prevent the diversion of prescription opioids into the possession of addicts and abusers.
A Pharmacy’s Legal Responsibility to Prevent Opioid Diversion
In recent years, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been coming down hard on pharmacies accused of complicity in the opioid epidemic. With many deadly doses originating in pharmacies, the government has shown a steadfast commitment to stopping the flow of drugs at its source. In order to protect customers from addiction and themselves from legal action, pharmacies must maintain a comprehensive opioid compliance plan.
Diversion Red Flags Pharmacies Must Be Aware Of
One of a pharmacy’s principal responsibilities in the opioid era is to look out for the potential diversion of drugs into the wrong hands. Individual pharmacists can thwart drug abuse by watching for these typical signs of diversion.
Requests for Early Refills
If a patient wants a refill before their previous prescription should have run out, it likely means they’re taking more than they should or selling some doses on the side. Refilling such a prescription early would only enable further abuse.
If you are looking for a lawyer that listens, is aggressive where needed, and holds his word above all else, Todd is the best pick. I had hired multiple attorneys prior to hiring the Spodek Group for a white collar case. The first thing that stood out to me was the cost, as anyone going through the process and dealing with the system, money was tight at that time - especially after hiring and firing multiple lawyers. The cost was not as high as others which was definitely a plus. Todd's intake process was also unlike other attorneys. He took the time to actually listen. He cared. He was trying to put himself in my shoes while I was explaining the situation to him and he really took the time to understand the whole situation. Other lawyers will give you 15 mins and send you a retainer agreement. Not Todd, I think he spent almost two hours with me as I was explaining everything.Not only was he great during the onboarding process, he was supportive and very informative through the entire plea process and eventually sentencing. After hiring him, I asked if I should hire a prison consultant, he told me to save my money as he would do everything they would. He was right and held up to his word. Later on I would hear from others that went with the prison consultants that they were a waste of money - I am glad I listened to Todd!When it came time for sentencing, two days prior to sentencing, the prosecutor tried increasing my proposed prison time by almost double - apparently a normal move. Todd and his team worked with me non-stop through the weekend prior to sentencing to ensure that I was not given additional prison time. Again, he took the time to listen and came up with a strategy to explain the case with great detail.Unfortunately, I did plead guilty as that was my best option. Todd and his whole team wrote up nearly 300 pages of a summary of what happened and why I should not be given prison time. If I breakdown the amount I spent with Todd versus the amount of work that I saw being done, I am shocked I was not charged four times as much. The other benefit was, a lot of criminal defense lawyers were just a single attorney with a paralegal or two. Todd had a team of people that I dealt with (5-7 people that I interacted with), but he was ALWAYS accessible. It would never take him more than an hour to reply unless he was in court.I was sentenced to prison and I was emotionally distraught. Todd and his team did whatever they could even after sentencing to make sure I was alright. He personally stayed in touch with my family to ensure I was doing alright and offered support to them. Most lawyers would consider the job complete at sentencing, not Todd.After prison, Todd still spent time with me to make sure I was on the right track and avoiding any potential risks in the future. He has also been giving advice on how to navigate probation etc and has not been looking at the clock for billing.Although I wish I had never been arrested in the first place, I am glad I had Todd and his team in my corner. Without them I likely would have had to spend a lot more time in prison than I did.Thank you, Todd, and the entire Spodek Law team, for helping turn what was a nightmare into a manageable situation!
I am immensely grateful to the entire team at Spodek Law Group for their unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise throughout my case. From our initial consultation to the final resolution, their professionalism and tireless advocacy made all the difference. Their strategic approach and attention to detail instilled confidence in me every step of the way.Thanks to their hard work and commitment, we achieved a truly favorable outcome that exceeded my expectations. Not only did they navigate the complexities of my case with precision, but they also provided invaluable support and guidance during what was undoubtedly a challenging time. I cannot recommend Spodek Law Group highly enough, especially attorneys Todd Spodek and Claire Banks; they are beacons of excellence in the legal profession.YSP.
Todd, Ralph and Alex are amazing. Helped my husband get from a double digit number with multiple charges to a single digit, by the time I blink he will be out. They very professional and help with all your needs. They dealt with my anxiety and worry very well and they understand that your family member needs to get home as soon as possible.
Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.
I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence.Thank you team!
I recently had Spodek Law Group represent me for a legal matter in NYC and I am thoroughly impressed with their services.Alex Zhik secured the best possible outcome for my case.It was a seamless journey from the initial consultation to the resolution of my legal matter. From the moment I spoke to Todd about my case, his enthusiasm to help was evident, setting a positive tone for the entire experience. The efficiency and professionalism displayed by the team is commendable.A particularly noteworthy aspect of their service is their user-friendly portal to upload your documents/evidence. This not only simplified the process, but showcases their commitment to streamline the client experience.Lastly, in an industry where legal fees can often be a concern, I found their pricing to be very reasonable, making needing legal assistance feel accessible and stress-free.I am grateful for their support and wouldn't hesitate to turn to them again in the future.
Manipulated or Forged Prescriptions
Many abusers will fake or alter a prescription to obtain the drugs illegally. Forgeries aren’t always easy to spot, but excessively neat handwriting and the misuse of abbreviations are tell-tale signs.
In most cases, it is illegal for a pharmacy to accept financial incentives from a pharmaceutical company to fill certain prescriptions. While there are some exceptions to this general rule, pharmacies should always exercise caution before accepting payments.
One Patient With Prescriptions From Multiple Doctors
A typical patient will only bring prescriptions issued by a single doctor or medical provider. When someone presents multiple prescriptions from different sources, it likely means they’re trying to cheat the system to obtain more doses.
Prescriptions From Doctors in Distant Places
While a patient might have a legitimate reason for filling a prescription in a pharmacy that’s far from their medical provider, such a case is often indicative of abuse. Many such patients are searching far and wide for a pharmacist willing to fill a suspicious or fraudulent prescription.
Several People With Similar Prescriptions at Once
If multiple people present nearly identical prescriptions one after the other, it might well be a group of abusers seeking to continue using. It could also be a group of dealers hoping to increase the size of their inventory. In any case, a degree of suspicion is warranted.
Customers With Visible Signs of Opioid Dependence
A pharmacist should never fill an opioid prescription for someone showing clear signs of opioid dependence. These signs include aggression, intoxication, and extreme sedation.
Customers Paying in Cash
There is nothing illegal or unethical about paying for a prescription with cash. All the same, there is an undeniable correlation between cash payments and addicted patients. If a cash payment accompanies any of the other items on this list, you’re right to be somewhat suspicious of the patient.
Reluctance to Answer Questions
Nothing gives away potential malfeasance like a general evasiveness. A legitimate patient should have no problem answering basic questions with composure and candor. It’s completely normal to ask a patient why they’re taking the medication and how long they’ve been taking it. Pharmacies may be legally obligated to withhold medications from patients they’ve caught lying.
Simultaneous Prescriptions for the Components of a Known “Drug Cocktail”
Patients sometimes present a combination of prescriptions that make abuse more likely. Certain medications can be combined to form “drug cocktails” that are often particularly addictive and especially dangerous. Pharmacists should know what drugs create these dangerous mixtures and watch out for patients looking to create them.
