Doctors write prescriptions for a variety of different drugs every year, including many medications with addictive properties and steep prices. Sadly, many patients who are addicted to or unable to afford these medications turn to prescription fraud or forgery to obtain the drugs they need through illegal means.
To curb this behavior, North Carolina law imposes harsh penalties on those convicted on charges of prescription drug fraud. If you were arrested for prescription drug fraud in North Carolina, the assistance of a knowledgeable criminal drug defense attorney is critical. Contact the experienced lawyers of Kurtz & Blum for a free case review today.
Raleigh Prescription Drug Crimes Lawyer
At Kurtz & Blum, we understand that difficult circumstances can lead to involvement with prescription drug fraud or forgery. Unfortunately, our legal system focuses on punishing those found guilty of drug-related crimes rather than alleviating the conditions that lead to drug abuse and fraud in the first place.
This means that many first-time drug offenders are sick or injured people with no criminal history who were simply trying to make it through impossible situations. No matter the circumstances, a criminal conviction can carry life-long consequences, so it’s imperative to seek the help of a skilled defense lawyer immediately if you have been charged with prescription drug fraud.
Types of Prescription Fraud Charges
Prescription drug fraud charges may involve various types of drugs, including Codeine, Lithium, Morphine, OxyContin, Ritalin, Valium, Viagra or Xanax, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Vicodin. They may also be based on a wide range of actions, such as:
- “Doctor shopping” – Consulting or receiving care from multiple different physicians to obtain a specific diagnosis or multiple prescriptions.
- Impersonating a physician – Posing as a doctor when contacting pharmacies or other medical facilities to call in fraudulent prescriptions.
- Forging prescriptions – Using stolen prescription sheets or pads from a medical facility to write one’s own prescription.
- Altering prescriptions – Making illegal changes to an original, valid prescription by updating the quantity or dosage for the drug.
- False identity – Posing as a family member, friend, or another person to collect drugs or medications originally prescribed to them.
Penalties for Prescription Fraud in North Carolina
The possible penalties you can face for a conviction of prescription fraud in North Carolina depend on several factors, including:
- The crime(s) you are charged with
- The substance in question
- Any prior convictions on your record
Under North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 90-108, you could be facing anything from a Class III misdemeanor to a Class G felony, depending on the substance involved and whether you are found to have the intent to sell, manufacture, or distribute the drugs in your possession. These charges are serious, so do not delay in seeking the help of a capable criminal defense lawyer.
Contact Our Prescription Drug Fraud Defense Lawyers
At Kurtz & Blum, our North Carolina criminal defense attorneys have more than 50 years of combined legal experience handling sensitive and complex drug offense cases, including those involving prescription drug fraud. When you hire a criminal defense attorney at Kurtz & Blum, you get the whole team.
If you are currently under investigation for prescription drug fraud or forgery, we can fight to have the charges against you reduced or even dismissed. Contact us today for a free initial consultation to find out more about how we can protect your rights.
