Facing Prescription Fraud or Forgery Charges in Miami?
While prescription drugs are legal when dispensed and used pursuant to a valid prescription, those who attempt to acquire prescription drugs by committing fraud or forgery can face serious penalties. Florida State laws are harsh when it comes to prescription fraud charges, treating them no different than a drug crime relating to a controlled substance.
At Rothman & Associates, P.A., our award-winning defense attorneys have over 40 years of experience helping people and companies accused of violating drug and fraud cases throughout Miami. Our lawyers have been included in the list of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers Association and included in the list of Super Lawyers® for our dedication to our clients and history of successful results.
If you are facing prescription forgery or fraud charges, call (305) 358-9000.
What Is Considered Prescription Fraud or Forgery in Florida?
In essence, prescription fraud and forgery involves unlawfully obtaining prescription drugs by the use of deception or falsification.
Common examples of prescription fraud, include:
- Taking blank prescription slips
- Using forgery to fill out prescription slips
- Making changes to an existing prescription slip
- Doctor shopping (seeing multiple doctors for the same prescription)
Penalties for Prescription Fraud in Miami
There are various consequences depending on the type of offense committed. Below we have laid out some of the most common crimes and how Florida breaks down their penalties.
Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs
This is considered to be a third-degree felony under Fla. Stat 893.13(6)(a) with penalties including up to $5,000 in fines and up to five years in prison.
Illegal Possession of a Prescription Form
For a first offense, it is a first-degree misdemeanor and any subsequent offenses will be considered third-degree felony charges. Penalties for Florida Stat. 893.13 (7)(a) for a first offense involving up to $1,000 in fines and up to one year in jail.
What is Considered Doctor Shopping?
Doctor Shopping is considered seeing multiple doctors for the same prescription. Under Florida Statutes 893.13(7)(a)8 and 893.13(7)(a)13, doctor shopping is considered a felony offense. It may carry penalties including the loss of certain civil rights and up to five years in prison.
Obtaining a Prescription by Use of Fraud
Fla. Stat. 893.13 (7)(a)9 states that this offense is a third-degree felony punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and up to five years in prison.
Procuring a Solid Defense from a Qualified Drug Crimes Lawyer
With Attorney Rothman, you will be represented by a criminal law specialist, Board Certified in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and a Board Certified in Criminal Law by The Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization. With over four decades of criminal defense experience, our Miami prescription fraud lawyers are adept at performing thorough investigations and compiling the evidence that is needed in these types of cases.
Why hire our firm?
- Representation from former prosecutors
- Decades of defense experience
- Defense from a criminal law specialist
Our Miami drug crimes attorneys proudly represent the rights of the accused, believing every client to be innocent until otherwise proven and always giving them the respect they deserve. Work with a trusted firm and place your future in the hands of a legal team that is on your side.
Call to schedule a confidential consultation with our Miami office at (305) 358-9000.
