Salt Lake Prescription Fraud
Lawyer - 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 based in Salt
Lake City, 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 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.
Based in Salt Lake City, Mr. Howard offers legal services to clients
throughout Utah.
Contact us today to arrange
for an initial consultation.