June 17, 2010 By Wallin & Klarich

Federal prosecutors charged Dr. Stephen Schneider and his wife Linda, a nurse, with illegally prescribing and distributing pain medication to drug abusers out of their Kansas clinic. The defendants argue that the prescriptions were for the legitimate treatment of medical symptoms. If convicted, the defendants face up to life in prison.

Prosecutors allege that the Schneiders operated a “pill mill,” regularly prescribing painkilling drugs more powerful than symptoms warrant and in excessive dosages. Furthermore, prosecutors claim that dozens of Dr. Schneider’s patients had died of overdoses and suicides.

The DEA has cracked down on physicians prescribing large quantities of pain medication, and have identified painkiller abuse as the nation’s most prevalent drug crime problem.

The Schneiders contend that they committed no drug crimes or ethical violations. They argue that the clinic served low-income patients who have no other access to expensive pain medications.

Advocacy groups have defended the Schneiders and criticized the current federal drug crime enforcement regime. Siobahn Reynolds, president of the Pain Relief Network, stated that pain relief patients are harassed, abused, and neglected by society. A medical ethics group fears that the government crackdown may have a “chilling effect” on physicians who have a legitimate basis for prescribing pain medication but are wary of potential litigation.

If you or a loved one have been accused of illegal possession or distribution of prescription pain medication, call the drug crime attorneys at Wallin & Klarich. We have over 30 years of experience handling a variety of criminal matters, including drug crime defense. Call us today at (888) 280-6839 or visit us on our website at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.

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