Opinion ID: 1354921
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: A. The ConvictionsGeneral Information

Text: The appellant, Edward H. Young, D.D.S., a dentist duly licensed to practice in the State of West Virginia, was convicted in the Circuit Court of McDowell County, West Virginia (the trial court), of nine felony violations of West Virginia's Uniform Controlled Substances Act, W.Va. Code, 60A-1-101 to 60A-6-605, as amended (the UCSA). Specifically, the appellant was convicted (1) of three counts of felonious constructive delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance which is also a narcotic drug and (2) of six counts of feloniously obtaining a Schedule II controlled substance. [1] The controlled substance involved in each count is a highly addictive narcotic analgesic with the trade name of Tylox, which contains oxycodone and acetaminophen. Oxycodone, a derivative of opium, is expressly listed as a Schedule II controlled substance and is a narcotic drug. W.Va. Code, 60A-2-206(b)(1)(M) [1986, 1991]; W.Va.Code, 60A-1-101(p) [1983]. A Schedule II controlled substance (1) has a high potential for abuse, (2) has currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions and (3) the abuse of such substance may lead to severe psychic or physical dependence. W.Va. Code, 60A-2-205 [1975]. Tylox capsules, containing oxycodone, come under these criteria. According to the 45th edition of the Physicians' Desk Reference (1991), oxycodone can produce drug dependence of the morphine type and, therefore, has the potential for being abused. Psychic dependence, physical dependence and tolerance may develop upon repeated administration of Tylox, and it should be administered with the same degree of caution appropriate to the use of other oral narcotic-containing medications. Id. at 1342. Tylox capsules are indicated for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain. Id. The usual dosage, for adults, is one Tylox capsule every six hours (four per day) as needed for such pain. Id. at 1343. However, it should be kept in mind that tolerance to oxycodone can develop with continued use and that the incidence of untoward effects is dose related. Id. [2] Expert testimony at trial indicated that Tylox should be used for about a week or so at the most. The convictions involve transactions with two patients of the appellant, namely, Frank Gentry and Roger Jones. The three counts, namely, counts 2, 9 and 10, relating to the felonious constructive delivery of Tylox, and similar transactions involving these same two patients, will be discussed first, in chronological order, followed by a separate discussion of one count (count 11) which charges both unlawful obtaining and delivery. Finally, we will discuss the five counts, namely, counts 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6, relating to the felonious obtaining of Tylox.