Woman In South Florida Arrested For Allegedly Performing Unlicensed Cosmetic Operations
According to a report from NBC 6 South Florida, a woman in South Florida has been arrested based on accusations that she performed unlicensed medical procedures. Angelina Andreoli, 29 years of age, is alleged to have provided unlicensed cosmetic operations at a clinic location in Miami. She is facing a serious criminal charge for practicing medicine without a license. Here, our Orlando white collar criminal defense attorney provides an overview of the allegations.
The Allegations: Woman Practice Medicine Without License (Lip Fillers, Botox, etc)
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that Angelina Andreoli, 29 of Miami Gardens, has been arrested and charged with practicing medicine without a valid medical license. Officers from the Miami Police’s Narcotics Unit reportedly discovered that Ms. Andreoli was offering cosmetic procedures—including Botox and lip filler—at a clinic location in the city. She was arrested in a sting operation after an undercover agent posed as a potential customer. Ms. Andreoli was released on bond. As with all defendants, she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Know the Charge: Practicing Medicine Without a License in Florida
You need a medical license to practice medicine in Florida, including cosmetic procedures. That a procedure is considered to be “cosmetic” for insurance purposes does not necessarily make it lawful to perform without a license. Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 456.065), it is a third degree felony offense to practice medicine without a license. Here are key points to know:
- Elements of the Charge: To obtain a conviction, the prosecutor must demonstrate that the defendant was engaged in activities that legally qualify as the practice of medicine. Examples include diagnosing, treating, operating, or prescribing treatment for any physical or mental conditions. Demonstrating that the defendant knowingly and willfully engaged in the practice of medicine without a license is also an important part of a case.
- Criminal Penalties: Practicing medicine without a license is classified as a third-degree felony offense in Florida. A conviction can lead to serious penalties, including up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. In a case where the unlicensed practice results in serious bodily injury, the offense can escalate to a second-degree felony offense. Second degree felony carry up to 15 years in prison.
All persons accused of practicing medicine without a license have the right to raise a zealous defense. The right defense strategy for any given case depends on a wide range of different factors, including the strength of the evidence obtained by prosecutors.
Get Help From an Orlando Defense Lawyer for an Unlicensed Practice of Medicine Charge
At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando criminal defense attorney is an aggressive, experienced advocate for clients, including doctors. If you or your loved one was arrested and charged with any type of white collar criminal offense, please do not hesitate to contact our team today for a confidential initial consultation. With an office in Orlando, we handle felony and misdemeanor criminal charges throughout all of Central Florida.
Source:
nbcmiami.com/news/local/woman-accused-of-performing-unlicensed-cosmetic-procedures-in-miami-arrested/3307928/