What is the penalty for a first conviction of practicing with a suspended license?

The penalty for a first conviction of practicing with a suspended license is a fine between $500 and $1000. This specific range for the fines reflects the seriousness of the offense, as practicing pharmacy without a valid license undermines public safety and trust in the healthcare system. The law aims to deter such actions by imposing significant financial penalties.

The rationale behind this level of punishment is to ensure compliance with licensing regulations, which are designed to protect patients by ensuring that only qualified individuals are allowed to practice pharmacy. A fine of this amount serves both to penalize the individual for their actions and to reinforce the importance of maintaining proper licensure.

Other options, such as no penalty or a minimal fine of $250, do not align with the intent of the regulations aiming to uphold professional standards and public safety. The potential for imprisonment, while severe, is typically reserved for more egregious offenses or repeat violations, rather than for a first offense of practicing with a suspended license. Thus, the range of $500 to $1000 is the appropriate response under Delaware Pharmacy Law for such an infraction.