Man Arrested, Charged With Practicing Medicine Without A License In Central Florida
According to a report from Yahoo News, a man was arrested and charged with practicing medicine without a license in Central Florida. Juan Carlos Munoz Melgar, 56, was booked into the Orange County Jail. He is facing a felony criminal charge. In this article, our Orlando criminal defense lawyer provides an overview of the allegations raised in this case and explains the key things to know about practicing medicine without a license in Florida.
The Allegations: Man Operating “Alternative” Medicine Practice Arrested
Law enforcement officers confirmed that Juan Carlos Munoz Melgar was arrested and charged with a criminal offense for practicing medicine without a license at his Dr. Super Life office location in Orlando, Florida. The case was handled by the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI)—an agency focused on criminal matters in Central Florida. Mr. Munoz Melgar is charged with both unlicensed medical practice and misleading the public about his medical credentials. According to a representative of the MBI, the investigation is still ongoing. As with any other criminal charges, a person accused of practicing medicine without a license is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Florida Law: Practicing Medicine Without a License
Health care is a highly regulated industry in Florida. The practice of medicine without a license is a very serious criminal offense. Here is an overview of the core points that you should understand about this criminal charge in Central Florida:
- The Statute: Florida Statute § 456.065 explicitly prohibits the practice of medicine without an appropriate and valid license. This statute is in place to protect public health and safety by ensuring that only qualified and licensed individuals provide medical care and advice.
- The Elements: To prove that a person is guilty of the offense of practicing medicine without a license, a prosecutor must prove 1) The defendant actually engaged in the practice of medicine as defense by the law, 2) The defendants lacks of a valid license, and 3) No exceptions or special circumstance applies to the situation.
- The Penalties: A person convicted of practicing medicine without a license can face very stiff criminal penalties. Notably, in Florida, this is considered a third-degree felony offense. It is punishable by up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine. Notably, there is a one-year mandatory minimum prison sentence. Further, the charge could be a second degree felony if a “patient” suffered a serious bodily injury.
- The Defenses: A number of different defenses may be raised in an unlicensed practice of medical criminal cases, including lack of intent, mistaken identity, valid license, and insufficient evidence.
Contact Our Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney Today
At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando criminal defense attorney is a laser-focused advocate for defendants. If you are facing a criminal charge for practicing medicine without a license, please do not hesitate to contact us today to arrange a strictly confidential initial consultation. We defend criminal charges in Orlando, Orange County, and all around Central Florida.
Source:
news.yahoo.com/central-florida-man-claiming-doctor-223837490.html
