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Prescription fraud is when a person intentionally uses falsity or deception to gain a prescription drug. Doctors and pharmacists can be found guilty of prescription fraud if they prescribe or issue drugs to people without legitimate medical conditions.
Florida’s prescription drug fraud laws consider the following as illicit activities:
- altering prescriptions;
- attempting to fill the same prescription at multiple pharmacies;
- falsifying prescriptions;
- stealing prescription pads;
- impersonating a doctor to issue prescriptions;
- impersonating a pharmacist to fill prescriptions;
- increasing a prescription dosage; or
- using a false name to gain another person’s prescription.
Penalties for Prescription Drug Fraud
It is considered a 3rd degree felony to obtain a controlled substance by fraud. A felony of this type can be punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. In addition, if you illegally possess any amount of prescription medication you may be charged with intent to sell.
Under Florida law, controlled substances rank from Schedule I to Schedule V. Unlawful possession of a controlled substance with medicinal uses varies from Schedule II to V.
If the conviction was a first offense and the substances were not acquired for personal use, a judge may allow the offender to be taken under advisement. Advisement is when a case is dismissed and the defendant no longer faces other consequences. For this to occur, a judge must also determine whether the fraud was legally revealed or if the doctor who wrote the prescription did so with good intentions.
Skilled Drug Crime Attorneys
Our prescription fraud attorneys have over 35 years of combined legal experience. If you were accused of committing prescription fraud, our attorneys can aggressively fight for your rights.
Contact our firm online or call us at (727) 245-9009 for a consultation.
