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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 - Contractor was charged with theft by deception for allegedly misusing customer funds and failing to complete work that had been agreed upon. A successful motion to quash on legal grounds following the bindover order at preliminary hearing resulted in a complete dismissal of all charges.
  • Minor Possession Alcohol - MIP AttorneyDismissed - Minor in possession charge (MIP) was dismissed by prosecutor when defense analysis demonstrated that the police had failed to obtain necessary evidence against client. Police had raided a large party involving underage drinking. Several individuals were charged, but police did not obtain evidence showing that client had personally consumed or possessed alcohol. Case was dismissed.
  • Utah 402 Reduction Attorney Felony Reduced - Client with prior felony conviction was granted a 402 reduction to the misdemeanor level over the objection of the prosecutor. Based on information provided to the court in support of the defense motion, the judge ruled in favor of the defense.
  • Violent Crimes Assalt Defense UtahProbation - Client charged with aggravated robbery based on allegations he entered a store with a gun and mask and demanded cash. Client confessed to police before hiring a defense attorney. Defense mitigation efforts resulted in a negotiated resolution that removed life in prison as a possibility, and secured a probation sentence from the court.
  • Recent Posts
  • What Constitutes Drug Parpahernalia in Utah How is drug paraphernalia defined in Utah? - The definition of drug paraphernalia under the Utah criminal code looks at both the nature of the object and also the intended use of the object in question. . . .
  • Utah Misdemeanor Attorney Salt Lake Can I handle a Utah misdemeanor from out-of-state? - Even if you do not intend to take your case to trial, a misdemeanor criminal offense in Utah can require multiple court appearances to reach a resolution. If you have been charged with a crime in Utah, but are not a Utah resident, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help you resolve the case without returning to the state. . . .
Best Criminal Defense Strategy

You want the best defense. Agressive is good. But results ultimately are what really matter. Creating an effective strategy for defending against criminal prosecution requires a thorough understanding of statutes, case law, and evidentiary and procedural rules. A successful outcome is more likely when....

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Salt Lake Criminal Defense Attorney Profile Utah

Choosing the best criminal defense attorney for your Utah criminal case may be the single most important decision you make. The courtroom can be a hostile place. Prosecutors receive extensive training on legal and tactical issues. Having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side is critical to defending your case and protecting your rights....

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Conviction Consequences - Utah Criminal Defense

A Utah criminal prosecution can result in a lifetime of consequences. Beyond jail and prison, a conviction can affect many areas of life, including employment, housing, finances, family, and much more. Never plead guilty without first consulting with an experienced criminal attorney. Understanding what is at stake is the first step....

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Utah Criminal Attorney - Reasons to Hope

An arrest is not a conviction. If you are facing criminal prosecution in Utah, it can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are things you can do right now that can increase your chances of a good outcome. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you evaluate the various options available to you and help develop a strategy for success....

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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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