Georgia Prescription Drug Fraud
Prescription drug fraud is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country. Defined as illegally obtaining prescription drugs for personal consumption or sale, prescription drug fraud is taken seriously by the State of Georgia. Procuring prescription medication through fraudulent means is a felony offense, and could be punishable by prison time as well as expensive fines.
How Is Prescription Fraud Committed?
People use various methods in order to commit prescription drug fraud. Altering the quantity of pills on the prescription, stealing a physician’s prescription pad to write out prescriptions, or calling in a fake prescription at a pharmacy are common ways people use to fraudulently obtain prescription medication. Some people also use computers to forge fake prescriptions.
When prescription drug fraud is detected by pharmacies, law enforcement may be called. Prescription drug fraud may be detected if the amount and dosage of a prescription varies from the standard dosage, if improper medical descriptions or instructions are used, if a prescription has different types of ink, if a prescription exhibits several versions of handwriting, or a prescription is photocopied.
Penalties for Prescription Drug Fraud
Whether a person committed prescription drug fraud in order to obtain medication for personal use or for sale, he or she may face a felony illegal possession of prescription drug charge. The penalties for a felony drug offense could include prison time, community service, fines, and drug abuse counseling. After being released from prison, probation may be mandatory. During the probation period, you are required to follow strict guidelines and avoid additional legal issues or else additional prison time may be ordered.
The effects of a felony drug conviction may be felt long after your sentence is completed. Because criminal records are open to third parties, applying for schools, jobs, loans, and even housing can be difficult. Convicted felons are also prohibited from working in schools and government agencies as well as owning firearms or voting.
Fighting a Georgia prescription drug charge requires the skill of an experienced defense lawyer. A variety of defense strategies may be used to avoid the serious repercussions of a felony drug charge. Speak to an attorney at HTW&W today to learn the next steps you should take during this time.
