Prescription Fraud Defense – Utah Criminal Defense
Passing a forged prescription, prescription fraud, or obtaining a prescription under false pretenses can be charged as a felony under Utah law. The consequences of a conviction can include prison time, thousands of dollars in fines, and substantial collateral consequences.
The legal issues in defending a prescription fraud case in Utah can be complex. An experienced defense attorney can help give you the best chance of success in your case. As a Utah criminal defense attorney, Stephen Howard has protected his clients rights in thousands of serious felony and misdemeanor cases. Contact us today to arrange for an initial consultation.
Prescription Fraud – Legal Elements
A criminal charge for prescription fraud or prescription forgery often involves allegations that a person has altered a written prescription (increasing the number of pills prescribed), passed a photocopied or scanned prescriptions at multiple pharmacies, called in fictitious prescriptions by phone to a pharmacy, forged prescriptions on stolen prescription forms, or made outright forgeries of prescriptions using fictitious doctor information.
Charges for obtaining a prescription under false pretenses may be filed, even if the person has a real prescription, if the prescription was obtained by presenting false information to the doctor or by withholding important information from the doctor. This charge is typically filed where a person falsely represents to a doctor that he is experiencing pain, or fails to inform the doctor that he has already obtained a prescription for the same drug from other doctors.
Many prescription fraud charges involve claims that the defendant was attempting to fill a prescription for another person. It is best to never attempt to fill a prescription for a stranger or for a person you may believe is trying to unlawfully obtain drugs.
If you are charged with a prescription crime for trying to fill a prescription for another person, the burden of proof legally falls on the prosecutor to convince the jury that you had the requisite mental intent. However, as a practical matter, the jury may expect an explanation from you as to where the prescription came from and why you thought it was legitimate.
Prescription Drug Crime and Addiction
Many individuals have become addicted to prescription medicines following legitimate injuries. Surgery, back pain, knee injuries, and other common medical problems often provide legitimate reasons for obtaining a prescription for pain medication. But extended use of these medications can lead to substance abuse and addiction.
Oxycontin, Lortab, Percocet, Vicodin, and many more legitimate medications can become the objects of substance abuse and addiction. Substance abuse problems that often begin with prescription medications can lead to illegal use of heroin or other “street” drugs.
If you find yourself facing criminal prosecution in Salt Lake for charges relating to drug addiction, it is important to have an experienced criminal attorney who both understands the legal system as well as how addiction and drug abuse can affect your case.
Finding a Salt Lake Criminal Lawyer
Utah criminal defense attorney Stephen Howard has defended criminal drug cases ranging from distribution to prescription fraud to possession. He has worked inside Utah’s drug court system, and has extensive experience defending drug charges in both justice courts and district courts.
Contact us today to arrange for an initial consultation.
