Prescription drug fraud and misuse is a significant problem for a number of reasons. First, prescription drug fraud is more likely to lead to prescription drugs being sold to people who do not need them or who are buying them to abuse those substances. Second, prescription drug fraud could lead to overdoses, addiction and other social issues.
As someone who has been accused of prescription drug fraud, you need to understand your rights and to take steps to protect yourself. If you are a licensed medical provider or pharmacist, you have to take action to protect your license.
Prescription drug fraud may lead to drug charges
Those who are accused of prescribing drugs to those who don’t need them or selling prescription drugs in drug markets may be at risk of facing drug trafficking charges as well as other criminal charges that could lead to misdemeanor or felony convictions.
Since prescription drug fraud may lead to Medicaid fraud, overdoses, drug abuse and other issues, the state and federal government do take it seriously. You could be accused of prescription drug fraud whether you do or don’t work in medicine. Some reasons people are charged with this crime include:
- Forging prescriptions
- Obtaining drugs illegally through the internet
- Altering prescriptions to obtain higher doses or more of a drug
- Doctor shopping
- Stealing or acquiring drugs from friends and family to sell
If you get involved in this kind of drug fraud and go on to sell or give away these medications, then you could be charged for being in possession, drug trafficking or drug distribution as well.
What should you do if you are accused of prescription drug fraud?
If you face accusations of doctor shopping, overprescribing, forging prescriptions or other crimes that could threaten your freedoms, it’s important for you to take steps to protect yourself. You can build a defense to fight the allegations and to push back against unfair accusations.
Drug charges have the potential to change your life, but you do have an opportunity to defend yourself. A good defense can help you minimize the risk of serious penalties and convictions.