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Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Howard
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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

Utah Prescription Fraud Attorney Salt LakeA 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.


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  • Selected Victories
  • Criminal Defense AttorneyDismissed - Charges of insurance fraud were brought when investigators found reason to believe that client's claim of injury was fraudulent. Client was seen kicking a soccer ball, and investigators concluded that the injury claim was false. By obtaining medical records and other administrative records, and by pointing out to the prosecutor that the alleged injury interferred with the client's ability to lift - not his ability to kick a ball - the prosecutor agreed to dismiss the case.
  • Criminal Appeals Defense AttorneyDismissed on Appeal - DUI case was dismissed after a successful appeal where the Utah Court of Appeals reversed the trial court's denial of the defense motion to suppress. Without the suppressed evidence, the prosecutor acknowledged that they did not have sufficient evidence to proceed to trial and the case was dismissed.
  • Utah Expungement Lawyer Expunged - Client with prior conviction for violent felony was ineligible for expungement through the courts. A successful 2-step reduction restored expungement eligibility and ultimately led to the court's decision to grant the requested expungement.
  • Utah Burglary Defense Attorney Not Guilty - Client was charged with second-degree felony residential burglary and facing potential prison time. Investigation by the defense revealed multiple witnesses, missed by police and prosecutors, who supported client's claim of innocence. At trial, the jury returned a "not guilty" verdict on all charges.
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  • What to Do When Arrested for DUI What should I do if I am arrested for DUI? - Many DUI cases begin as minor traffic stops. But the consequences of a DUI conviction are much more serious than an ordinary traffic citation. If you are pulled over for a suspected DUI, you have specific important constitutional and statutory rights that can protect your. . . .
  • Utah Statewide Warrant Search How do I find out if I have an outstanding warrant? - If you believe you may have an outstanding arrest warrant in Utah, a criminal defense attorney can access the Utah statewide warrant system and help you find the best. . . .
Best Utah Criminal Defense Strategy

The right criminal defense lawyer can work with you to develop a defense strategy designed to achieve the best results. Hiring a Utah criminal attorney with real courtroom experience and an in-depth understanding of the legal issues involved in defending against a criminal prosecution can help ensure the best...

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Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Profile Utah

Defending against a criminal prosecution in Utah is a job that has to be done right the first time. Choosing the right attorney to defend you can be the most important decision you make. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling some of the most serious felony and misdemeanor charges on the books in Utah. No matter what charges you are facing, we can help....

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Conviction Consequences - Utah Criminal Defense

In Utah, even a "minor" misdemeanor conviction carries the potential for jail time and significant fines. A felony conviction carries the potential of lengthy prison terms and the various consequences that come with being labeled as a convicted felon. Never plead guilty without first finding out....

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Utah Criminal Defense Attorney - Hope

Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are reasons to remain hopeful, and there are things you can do right now that can help increase the odds of a successful outcome. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you evaluate the various options you have, and can help you....

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Serving Salt Lake, Davis, Weber, Utah, Cache, Tooele, Summit, Box Elder, and Wasatch Counties, and all of Utah.

Attorney Stephen Howard practices as part of the Canyons Law Group, LLC and Stephen W. Howard, PC.

Offices in Salt Lake and Davis Counties
560 South 300 East, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
952 S. Main St., Suite A, Layton, UT 84041

Call now to arrange for a confidential initial consultation with an experienced and effective Utah criminal defense lawyer.

In Salt Lake City, call 801-449-1409.
In Davis County, call 801-923-4345.

Stephen W. Howard, PC

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