Examining the Fallout of an Indicted Doctor’s Costly Mistake
Earlier today, a doctor from Los Angeles called me to share his regret about his poor preparations for his sentencing hearing after pleading guilty to one count of tampering with consumer products, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1365(a)(4).
Despite having addiction issues, voluntarily surrendering his medical license, and hiring excellent lawyers, he received an unexpected request from the United States Attorney for a sentence of 12 months and one day in federal prison.
This video highlights how United States Attorneys are pushing for federal prison time for doctors who tamper with medications, emphasizing the importance of holding medical personnel accountable for taking advantage of their unique position. The doctor’s case is a cautionary tale about the need for thorough sentence mitigation preparation, as assumptions like “I did not have bad intentions” may not lead to the desired outcome.
It is simple: Defendants must stress through their actions why they are worthy of leniency. The doctor who called me knows this. Still, he did not do it and feels this costly mistake will haunt him for years.
Justin Paperny
