Charged with diverting 3 pain pills

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Being charged with a crime is extremely stressful, especially when it impacts your professional life. Here are some steps you can take to navigate this challenging time:

Consult with a Lawyer

• Hire an attorney. Get a lawyer who specializes in criminal defense, preferably someone with experience in healthcare-related cases. You can find a nurse attorney at The American Association for Nurse Attorneys. They can provide you with counsel and represent you in court.
• Evidence review. Work with your lawyer to gather and review all available evidence. This includes documentation from your employer, the nursing board's findings, and any relevant records or logs that could support your case.
• Gather documentation. Collect any records that could support your innocence, such as patient medication logs, witness statements, and any correspondence with your employer regarding the incident.
• Character references. Obtain character references from colleagues, supervisors, and other professional contacts who can attest to your integrity and professionalism.

Understand the Charges

Legal explanation. Have your lawyer explain the charges against you in detail, including the potential penalties and what the prosecution must prove to convict you.

Possible defenses. Discuss potential defenses with your lawyer. For example, if there's a lack of evidence or if the evidence is circumstantial, this might be crucial in your defense.

Prepare for the Court Process

Court appearances. Be prepared for multiple court appearances, and ensure you understand each step of the process.

Plea bargaining. Your lawyer may discuss the possibility of plea bargaining, where you might plead to a lesser charge to avoid the risk of a trial. However, this decision should be carefully weighed with your lawyer's advice, especially if you are innocent.

Professional Impact

Nursing license. Understand the implications of the charges on your nursing license. The nursing board may take further action depending on the outcome of the criminal case.

Employment. Be prepared for the potential impact on your current and future employment. Some employers may place you on administrative leave during the legal process.

Support System

Emotional support. Lean on friends, family, and support groups for emotional support during this difficult time.

Professional support. Consider joining a professional support group for nurses in recovery or those facing legal issues. They can provide advice and solidarity.

Possible Outcomes

Dismissal. The charges could be dismissed if the evidence is insufficient or if your lawyer successfully challenges the prosecution's case.

Trial. If the case goes to trial, a judge or jury will determine your guilt or innocence based on the evidence presented.

Plea deal. You might accept a plea deal to reduce the potential penalties, but this should be carefully considered.

Conviction. If convicted, the penalties could range from fines to imprisonment, depending on the severity of the charges and your criminal history.

Key Points

Presumption of Innocence. Remember, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The burden of proof lies with the prosecution.

Stay informed. Keep informed about the progress of your case and actively participate in your defense strategy.

Compliance. Comply with any conditions set by the court or the nursing board to demonstrate your commitment to resolving the situation responsibly.

Facing criminal charges is daunting, but with the right legal representation and support, you can navigate this challenging period more effectively.

Very best wishes,

Nurse Beth