What Happens if You Are Charged with Prescription Fraud in Pennsylvania?
Learn About Your Legal Rights, the Penalties You Face, and Hiring an Attorney
If you were charged with prescription fraud in Pennsylvania, you face very serious penalties including going to jail, losing your professional license, and having a permanent criminal record.
Prescription fraud typically involves obtaining, distributing, or using prescription drugs without a valid prescription or for a non-medical purpose. It can also mean writing false prescriptions if you are a doctor or nurse practitioner.
Prescription fraud can involve individuals, healthcare providers, pharmacies, or other entities that handle prescription drugs. If you or a loved one is facing charges related to prescription fraud, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced prescription fraud lawyer.
At Ketchel Law, we understand the complexities of prescription fraud cases and are dedicated to providing our clients with the aggressive legal representation they deserve. We know oftentimes people do things due to addiction, not because they are bad people. That’s why we fight hard for our clients.
Our team of skilled attorneys has extensive experience in defending clients against prescription fraud charges, and we will work tirelessly to protect your rights.
A guilty conviction for prescription fraud can mean up to seven years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
Keep in mind, being charged with prescription fraud does not necessarily mean you are guilty. You are presumed innocent of all charges unless a judge or jury finds you guilty.
An arrest is not a conviction.
If you or a loved one were charged with prescription drug fraud, Ketchel Law is here to help you understand your options and how best to defend your rights and fight for your future.
OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL:
GETTING YOUR DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.
CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
Types of Prescription Fraud Cases
There are various types of prescription fraud cases, including:
- Doctor Shopping: This involves visiting multiple doctors or healthcare providers to obtain multiple prescriptions for the same drug.
- Altering Prescriptions: This involves altering a valid prescription to increase the quantity of drugs or to obtain a different drug.
- Forging Prescriptions: This involves creating a fake prescription or stealing a prescription pad to obtain drugs.
- Pharmacy Fraud: This involves stealing drugs from a pharmacy or diverting drugs from their intended purpose.
Penalties for a Prescription Fraud Conviction in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the penalties for a prescription fraud conviction can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case, such as the type and quantity of drugs involved, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether the defendant was acting alone or in conjunction with others.
Generally, prescription fraud charges are prosecuted as felony offenses, which can result in severe penalties, including:
- Imprisonment: Depending on the specific offense, a prescription fraud conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to several years or even decades. The length of the sentence can be influenced by factors such as the type of drug involved, the amount of drugs involved, and the defendant’s criminal history.
- Fines: Prescription fraud convictions can also result in significant fines. The amount of the fine will depend on the severity of the offense and other factors.
- Probation: In some cases, a court may sentence a defendant to probation rather than imprisonment. Probation typically requires the defendant to meet certain conditions, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer, drug testing, and community service.
- Loss of license: In some cases, healthcare professionals who are convicted of prescription fraud may also face disciplinary action, including the loss of their license to practice medicine or pharmacy.
It is also important to note that a prescription fraud conviction can have long-term consequences beyond immediate penalties. For example, a criminal record can make it difficult to find employment, obtain housing, or qualify for certain types of government assistance.
If you or someone you know is facing prescription fraud charges in Pennsylvania, it is important to consult with an experienced criminal attorney who can help you understand your legal options and work to protect your rights and interests.
OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL:
GETTING YOUR DRUG CHARGES DISMISSED.
CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
How Our Attorneys Can Help
Our Pittsburgh Drug Defense Lawyers understand that prescription fraud cases can be complex and challenging. We have the experience and knowledge necessary to navigate the legal system and develop a strong defense strategy. Our team will work tirelessly to investigate your case, gather evidence, and build a strong defense on your behalf.
We will carefully review the circumstances of your case, including the evidence against you, to determine the best course of action. We will explore all possible defenses, including lack of intent, mistaken identity, and entrapment. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for you, whether that means negotiating a plea bargain or taking your case to trial.
Our prescription fraud lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and providing you with the personalized attention and support you need throughout the legal process. We understand the serious consequences of prescription fraud charges, including the potential for imprisonment, fines, and damage to your reputation. That is why we will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and defend your interests.
If you or a loved one is facing prescription fraud charges, contact Ketchel Law today. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and determine the best course of action. Let us put our experience and knowledge to work for you and help you achieve the best possible outcome.
OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: HAVING YOUR CASE DISMISSED.
At Ketchel Law, we fully investigate every case to ensure that the rights of our clients have not been violated. We will examine every angle of your case and speak with witnesses to identify any problems with police procedures.
There may be a possibility of proving your innocence—perhaps by demonstrating the drugs were not in your possession or that you were in possession of a much smaller amount of the drug than you were charged with.
There could be evidence that your Constitutional Rights were violated during the time of the arrest. If police cannot prove probable cause and reasonable suspicion, evidence could be suppressed and your case will be dismissed.
Our number one goal is to have your case dismissed and charges withdrawn. If that is not possible, there are numerous ways of attempting a reduction in sentencing such as probation vs. jail.
Talk to an experienced attorney for a free consultation about whether you may be eligible to have your record expunged and how best to fight your charges.
A drug fraud charge does not always mean a drug fraud conviction.