The Opiate Crisis – California Fights Back
We’ve been deluged lately by news reports about the “opioid” crisis. They’re talking primarily about prescription opiates – Fentanyl, Vicodin, Oxycontin, Percocet, and others. Why all the shouting? Well, to begin with, the link between crime and drug use is extraordinary. In San Diego, for example, SANDAG tells us that around 75% of all those arrested last year tested positive for some illegal substance. And the growth market for drugs is opiates. But some individuals and counties in California, including Orange and Santa Clara, are beginning to fight back. Their efforts are directed at drug companies accused of using misleading marketing practices to push the use of opiates. The practice most often called into question is “off-label” marketing, in which the company tells doctors to prescribe their drugs for purposes beyond those approved by the FDA. Other practices include downplaying the risks associated with opioid use, and exaggerating its benefits. The cost in human life and human suffering is enormous, and the economic burden on the criminal justice system and the taxpayer is staggering. Look for more on this in the near future.
Author Bio
David P. Shapiro, the managing partner and founder of a leading San Diego criminal defense firm, is driven by an unwavering commitment to providing the best possible representation to his clients facing criminal charges. With a deep understanding of the fear, uncertainty, and concern for one’s future that his clients experience, David approaches each case with empathy and dedication, advocating tirelessly for their rights and freedoms.
Focused on complex and high-stakes cases, David handles a wide range of serious charges, including felonies, violent crimes, sex crimes, drug offenses, and white-collar crimes. Since establishing his practice in 2010, David has earned a reputation as one of San Diego’s most respected criminal defense attorneys.
His firm has been recognized by LawFirm500 as one of the nation’s fastest-growing law firms and was a 2022 Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics Winner. The San Diego Business Journal named David’s firm the 17th Fastest Growing Private Company in San Diego from 2019-2021 and recognized David as one of San Diego’s 500 Most Influential People in 2022. With a strong dedication to his clients and community, David continues to be a driving force in the San Diego legal landscape.
Recent Posts
PRACTICE AREAS
Facing Criminal Charges in San Diego?
Here’s what you need to know to regain control of your future
