Virginia Prescription Fraud Lawyer

Prescription fraud allegations can lead to serious legal consequences, including incarceration, professional license issues, and long-term reputational harm. Whether you are a patient or a medical professional, being charged with this offense places your future at risk.

If you are facing accusations of prescription fraud, speaking with a Virginia prescription fraud lawyer should be your first step. The experienced attorneys at Price Benowitz can help you respond effectively and work to achieve the best possible outcome.

Understanding Prescription Fraud Charges

Prescription fraud refers to the unauthorized acquisition, distribution, or use of prescription medications, most commonly, controlled substances. These charges can arise in both state and federal court, depending on the circumstances and scope of the alleged conduct.

Prescription fraud charges are not limited to patients. Healthcare professionals can also face serious penalties when suspected of improperly issuing or accessing prescriptions.

Common accusations include:

• Forged or altered prescriptions: Creating fake prescriptions or modifying legitimate ones to obtain a larger quantity of medication
• Doctor shopping: Seeking prescriptions from multiple providers without disclosing prior visits
• False identity use: Using someone else’s name or insurance to fill a prescription
• Theft of prescription pads: Taking blank forms to issue unauthorized scripts
• Impersonating medical personnel: Falsely representing oneself as a licensed prescriber
• Providing false medical information: Misleading a practitioner or pharmacist to gain access to medications
• Issuing illegitimate prescriptions: Licensed providers writing prescriptions without a valid medical basis, often for profit

These charges may be accompanied by additional allegations such as fraud, identity theft, or drug distribution, depending on the facts of the case. A Virginia prescription fraud attorney can help someone facing charges or an investigation to better understand their options for moving forward.

Penalties for Prescription Fraud in Virginia

In Virginia, prescription fraud is typically prosecuted as a felony. The classification and potential punishment vary based on the nature of the alleged conduct, the amount of medication involved, and the individual’s prior record.

Examples include:

• Forgery of a prescription: A Class 6 felony, punishable by up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $2,500
• Impersonating licensed medical personnel: Often charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor, carrying up to 12 months in jail and similar fines
• Unlawful possession with intent to distribute: May result in enhanced penalties under Virginia’s drug statutes

Healthcare professionals may also face disciplinary action from licensing boards, including suspension or revocation of their license. Even after reinstatement, the impact on professional reputation and future employment opportunities can be significant.

Potential Defenses in Prescription Fraud Cases

Being accused of prescription fraud does not mean a conviction is inevitable. A skilled Virginia prescription fraud attorney can analyze the facts, challenge the prosecution’s case, and work to protect your future.

Common defense strategies include:

Lack of Criminal Intent

The attorney may demonstrate that prescription errors happened because of miscommunication rather than deliberate wrongdoing. If the accused person made a mistake, the legal team can find evidence to prove it.

Challenging the Government’s Evidence

It is the government’s burden to prove that the person who allegedly committed prescription fraud is guilty. An attorney can question witness reliability or evidence quality. They can also enlist experts to expose inconsistencies and create reasonable doubt.

Procedural and Technical Defenses

A skilled lawyer can seek to suppress evidence obtained through illegal searches and challenge vague indictments. They can scrutinize every detail of the arrest and evidence collection to find technical errors.

Consult a Skilled Prescription Fraud Attorney in Virginia Today

A prescription fraud charge has the potential to derail your life, but a proactive legal strategy can make all the difference. Whether the accusation stems from a misunderstanding, an administrative mistake, or a complex set of facts, you deserve experienced legal representation.

At Price Benowitz, our team has the knowledge and skill to guide you through the legal process and pursue a favorable resolution. Call today for a free case evaluation and take the first step toward protecting your future.