• 07
  • November
    2011

Earlier today, a California jury found Conrad Murray guilty of involuntary manslaughter. The verdict was the result of a long criminal battle against Michael Jackson's former physician that began when the "King of Pop" died of a prescription drug overdose on June 25, 2009.

Even though Jackson was 50 years old and competent to make his own decisions, his tragic death prompted family, friends and fans to seek out someone to hold responsible for the beloved musician's death. That man was Murray, as he had long served as Jackson's personal physician and had supplied him with the medication that was ultimately responsible for his death, according to the coroner.

The jury's verdict demonstrates an emerging area of criminal liability where physicians are held responsible for the fatal overdoses of patients. Prescription drug addiction has fiercely gripped communities across the country and citizens and politicians are desperately seeking ways to battle the drug addiction epidemic. As a result, doctors have more to worry about than they did in years past, as they can potentially face time in prison for choosing to write their patients a prescription.

If you are a physician, psychiatrist or clinician facing criminal charges related to the care of a patient, contact an experienced Philadelphia criminal defense attorney to help create a sound defense strategy.

Source: laist.com, "The verdict is in: Dr. Conrad Murray guilty of involuntary manslaughter in Michael Jackson's death," Nov. 7, 2011