Prescription Drug Fraud Crimes

Prescription Drug Crimes Defense Attorney, Tempe AZ

Prescription Drug Fraud Charges

One of the most common prescription drug crimes in Arizona is prescription fraud. This is the act of obtaining a prescription-only drug through use of a forged, fraudulent or invalid prescription.

Any act of obtaining prescription-only drugs without a valid prescription may potentially be a violation of the Arizona law A.R.S. 13-3406. Related conduct includes but is not limited forging prescriptions; unauthorized use of prescription pads; calling in an invalid prescription to a pharmacy; procuring prescription medications from friends; taking medication that was not prescribed for you; altering prescriptions in any way, including adding to amounts, changing dates, or names of medications or a patient’s name on a prescription dispensed by a physician; and a host of other offenses.

Although common, these charges can be very serious, especially for Physicians, Pharmacists, Pharmacy employees, other medical providers, and repeat offenders. A first time Misdemeanor fraudulent prescription charge, calls for jail terms, fines, fees, and other harsh penalties if convicted. However, depending on the circumstances charges they are often classified as Felonies, which exposes a person to prison terms, and other harsh penalties.

Arizona Prescription Drug Laws

Under A.R.S. 13-3406 is in unlawful for a person to knowingly:

• Possess or use a prescription-only drug without a valid prescription from a licensed medical provider under Arizona law, or similar laws of another state; or
• Possess a Prescription–only drug for sale, manufacturing, transport for sales; administer a prescription-only drug unless a person or entity holds a license or a permit issued properly under Arizona Law A.R.S. 32, including equipment and chemicals for manufacturing them; or
• Obtain or administer a prescription-only drug by misrepresentation or fraud

Violations of these laws are most commonly brought as a Class 6 felony, or Class 1 Misdemeanor depending on the circumstances.

Commonly Forged Prescription Drugs

Below are some of the most popular drugs commonly involved in prescription fraud include, but are not limited to:

• Oxycodone;
• Xanax;
• Medical Marijuana;
• Valium;
• Percocet,
• Valium;
• Vicodin;
• Dilaudid;
• Darvocet;
• Morphine’
• Demerol;
• Methadone;
• Lorcet;
• Codeine

Descriptions for these drugs can be found under Arizona State Legislature A.R.S. 13-3401.

Criminal Defense for Drug Crimes Tempe AZ

If you have been arrested for any type of fraudulent prescription drug fraud you should consult a qualified criminal defense attorney, such as James Novak, of the Law Office of James Novak, PLLC. There may be defenses you are not aware of that if effective, may lead to a favorable outcome in your case including dismissal, reduction of charges, or mitigation of sentencing.

These charges can be serious and jeopardize your freedom and future. James Novak, Criminal Attorney, is former prosecutor. He has a vast amount of knowledge, and litigation experience. His practice is limited to DUI and criminal defense. He provides a free consultation for active criminal charges. He provides criminal defense services in Maricopa County, including Phoenix, Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert and Scottsdale Arizona. Call (480) 413-1499 for your free consultation!

Additional Resources:

• Arizona Prescription Drug Laws
• Pharmacy Definitions and Certification
• City of Tempe – Substance Abuse Program
• Arizona Substance Abuse Partnership – Governor of Arizona

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Law Office of James Novak
4500 S. Lakeshore Drive
Tempe AZ 85282
(480) 413-1499
Free Consultation
Maricopa County DUI & Criminal Defense Firm
Serving Tempe, Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, & Scottsdale AZ
www.novakazlaw.com