A professional business woman in the health industry is facing serious drug charges in federal courts. The woman owns several businesses in the Madison area, all of which seem to be medical establishments for women. She and her codefendant are charged with dealing in prescription medications.

According to Madison.com the duo stands accused of selling “millions” of fake Viagras and other drugs as well as conspiring to see other illegal pain prescription drugs as well. Both are looking at potentially lengthy federal prison sentences if convicted on all counts.

The prescription drug trade encompasses people from all walks of life. From physicians to pharmacists, many are lured not only by the drugs themselves, but by the potential to make lucrative amounts of money. And the use of these drugs seems to just keep climbing.

This particular defendant is said to be a “pioneer” in hormone replacement therapies. She is highly successful and has served on multiple community boards. Her accolades and accomplishments, however, didn’t save her from these charges.

The judge set her bail at $150,000, a figure that the report suggested was a drop in the bucket to the woman’s net worth. She is required to stay in Wisconsin and continue working until her court date.

Her bond was determined because the judge found her to not be a significant flight risk. In criminal cases, the judge takes several things into consideration when deciding whether or not to release you pending trial. The risk that you potentially pose to the community is just one of those factors.

Because this defendant is well known and has several benefits, the court has no reason to believe she would duck out on her upcoming court dates. This, and not her net worth, is likely why her bond was set and set at such a level.

Drug charges are serious, whether they are at the federal or state level. In Wisconsin even some prescription drugs can cost you up to 3 ½ years in prison for a possession charge. Facing this kind of time can be frightening. A defense attorney can help.

If you are facing drug charges, whether it’s Oxycontin, marijuana, or cocaine—I can help. Contact me today for some valuable legal advice.

After an extensive investigation, a Milwaukee cocaine dealer was plead guilty to felony criminal drug charges.  Thirty three year old Jack M. Washington was sentenced this past week in Saulk County on two felony charges of delivering cocaine. He will serve 6 months in the county jail and 4 years of probation following his release.

Washington, also known as Will Washington, was arrested in September 2008 when police served a search warrant on Charles Street in Reedsburg. Washington had been living in that home’s basement when the police came.

At the time of the search, police found $1,600 cash in Washington’s pocket and 21 bags of cocaine in the basement. Washington feigned ignorance but the bags held his fingerprint, helping the prosecution build their case.

The search warrant that was served that September day came about after months of investigations into Washington and his suspected cocaine dealing activities. According to this report from the Baraboo News Republic, police had used an informant to make several purchases from Washington in the preceding months.

Police often use confidential informants to make controlled purchases when they have reason to believe someone is in the business of trafficking and dealing drugs. In this case the informant was given cash and received crack cocaine from Washington in exchange for the money.

In a plea agreement, Washington faced 2 rather than 4 counts of felony distribution, a charge that normally carries several years in prison. Because he was originally facing 4 counts and the potential of a lengthy prison sentence, Washington may have had a fairly clean criminal history for him to only end up being sentenced to 6 months.

The state of Wisconsin is hard on drug offenders. Especially if you are accused of distributing or trafficking, you can expect to have the charges pursued vehemently by the prosecution.

If, however, you don’t have a criminal history, are employed, and have positive ties to the community, your chances of working out a plea agreement are pretty good.

When you are facing charges in the Wisconsin criminal courts, you need an experienced legal defense attorney to look at all your options and assist you in making the right moves. Contact me today for a free consultation on your case.