Prescription Medical Fraud in Richmond

Understanding Laws Regarding Fraud

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, it is unlawful for any person to obtain or attempt to obtain any controlled substance, marijuana, or any synthetic cannabinoids. Synthetic cannabis, often referred to as Spice or K2, is a psychoactive designer drug that is produced by spraying synthetic chemicals on natural herbs.

Common forms of prescription fraud include:

• Altering a written prescription
• Misrepresentation
• Concealing material facts
• Using a false name, address or information.

All medical prescriptions require a license number. This is the number assigned to each doctor and used when writing a prescription. Providing a fake, revoked, or suspended license number or one belonging to another person is also considered to be prescription fraud.

If you have been accused of fraud, you need a Richmond criminal defense lawyer on your side.

Prescription Drug Fraud Penalties

Misrepresenting yourself as a doctor, pharmacist, manufacturer, or any other authorized person to obtain or attempt to obtain controlled substances is illegal. Even applying a false or forged label to a controlled substance is unlawful. If convicted, first offense, this is a Class 6 felony. It is punishable by 1 to 5 years' imprisonment, fine of up to $2,500, or both.

Any person convicted of knowingly assisting another, for compensation, in acquiring prescription drugs from a pharmacy or other source is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. This is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.00, either or both. A second or subsequent conviction is a Class 6 felony. Learn more about the penalties in the Code of Virginia § 18.2-258.1, § 18.2-258.2, § 18.2-10, and § 18.2-11.

How can a Richmond Criminal Attorney Help My Case?

If the guilty party has not been convicted of any other drug-related offense, an experienced advocate may be able to have them admitted to a drug treatment and / or educational program. It is important to have the right defense team on your side. At Carlson & Collier, we have what it takes to help you.

Supervised probation would likely accompany a treatment program. Probation stipulations would include staying out of trouble and remaining drug-free. Provided the treatment and probation requirements were successfully met and all fines paid, the felony would be removed from the accused individual's record and it would become a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Call our firm now for a free, over-the-phone consultation with our criminal attorneys in Richmond.