Riverside Prescription Fraud Lawyer

California Prescription Fraud Laws

Prescription fraud is a serious crime in California. It may be charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony. If misdemeanor charges have been filed, do not expect the prosecutor to be more lenient or understanding. Prosecutors are only interested in convictions, so don't try to explain anything to the arresting officer or any other law enforcement personnel. Anything you say will be taken as an admission of guilt. Writing a false prescription is just as illegal as buying illegal drugs. If you have been accused of prescription fraud or any offense related to prescription drugs a Riverside drug defense attorney may be your only chance to avoid severe penalties.

What is Prescription Fraud?

Prescription fraud means the illegal acquisition of prescription drugs for profit or personal use without a physician's prescription. This type of crime has escalated tremendously in recent years. Any medical substance, whether over the counter or prescribed, can be an illegal and controlled substance if it is being abused by someone else. While there is no doubt some controlled substances can be helpful for those in medical need, abuse of these drugs can lead to serious illness, addiction, or death. As a result police drug units are increasingly vigilant to this type of offense and are making more arrests now than ever before.

A Riverside prescription fraud lawyer with our firm will defend a client who has been accused of such offenses as:

• Possession of or sale of a practicing physician's prescription pad
• Altering a physician's prescription to increase the amount of drug or type of drug
• Forgery of a prescription form
• Phoning in a prescription using the pretense of being a medical office staff member
• A variety of other fraudulent acts involving prescription medications

Types & Penalties for Prescription Drug Fraud in California

Someone that is accessing prescription drugs without a legitimate prescription is said to be committing prescription fraud. There are two main ways this can happen: doctor shopping or by doctors providing false prescriptions.

What is Doctor Shopping?

Doctor shopping is what happens when someone uses multiple doctors and pharmacies to get prescriptions ordered and filled. This is done without these medical professionals knowing that the others are providing the same service. This is done in order to obtain a surplus of prescription drugs for use or sale.

Some of the common drugs that are sought out include:

• Opiates, like morphine or oxycodone
• Depressants, which are Xanax, Ambien, or valium
• Stimulants, such as Adderall or Ritalin

In order to be charged with doctor shopping, it must be proven that there was an element of fraud involved. Fraud occurs when there was a misrepresentation of fact to conceal information. If it can be shown that someone intentionally misrepresented facts to doctors and pharmacies with the purpose of obtaining additional medication, they can be accused of doctor shopping.

What About Doctors Prescribing Pills?

Doctors are responsible for acting in the best interest of their patient, which means recognizing the signs of prescription pill addiction. If a doctor chooses to provide prescriptions to someone knowing that they may be addicted or that they will distribute those pills to other people, they can be charged with prescription fraud.

Penalties for Prescription Fraud in California

Accusations of doctor shopping or prescription fraud faces serious criminal consequences.

Depending on the details of the case, possible consequences include:

• Up to three years in jail
• Up to $20,000 fine

Representation for Prescription Fraud Cases

We are committed to assisting you in your defense so as to avoid the severe penalties that could result from a conviction. We will use all legal tools available to protect your criminal record and your freedom. Call Law Offices of Grech & Packer to consult with a drug defense lawyer who cares about you and your future.

Contact a Riverside Prescription Fraud Attorney at the firm is determined to obtain a positive resolution for a client facing a prescription crime charge.