Santa Rosa Prescription Drug Fraud Lawyer

Aggressive Attorney Working to Win Favorable Results in Court

Prescription drug fraud, or “doctor shopping,” is defined as the illegal acquisition of prescription drugs for personal use or profit. This excludes theft, burglary, backdoor pharmacies and illegal importation or distribution of prescription drugs. This crime has grown in popularity, which has resulted in law enforcements’ increased efforts to crack down on offenders.

Alleged prescription drug fraud criminals may have faked body pains or medical symptoms, written a fraudulent doctor’s note or visited several different doctor’s offices in order to get a needed prescription. These actions may seem harmless, but their consequences can be detrimental.

Doctors and pharmacists are trained to identify fraudulent prescriptions and report suspicious activity right away. Pharmacists look at various qualities to avoid supplying people with prescriptions they don’t need:

• Prescription looks too good; the prescriber's handwriting is too legible
• Quantities, directions or dosages differ from usual medical usage
• Prescription does not comply with the acceptable standard abbreviations or appear to be textbook presentations
• Prescription appears to be photocopied
• Directions written in full, with no abbreviations
• Prescription written in different color inks or written in different handwriting

Penalties for Prescription Drug Fraud

You may be charged with a misdemeanor or felony depending on the severity of your alleged offense. 

• For a first offense: A fine of at least one thousand dollars ($1,000) or community service.
• For a second or subsequent offense: A fine of at least two thousand dollars ($2,000) or community service.
• If you are unable to pay the minimum fines: Community service shall be ordered in lieu of the fine.