Push Back Against Prescription Forgery Charges
Forging a prescription is classified as prescription drug fraud because this is considered the act of obtaining a prescription through fraudulent means. In Minnesota, people may be charged with the illegal possession of prescription drugs even if they are not in possession of those drugs. All that is required is the forged prescription. If you have been accused of forging a prescription, you need a criminal lawyer in Minneapolis helping you throughout your case.
Jennifer Speas has the experience you need to combat the charges. Whether or not there is merit to the case, you have rights that need to be protected and you have the right to fight. There may be certain circumstances in the case that can lead to reduced charges, which means lesser penalties if convicted. Other times, there are facts present in the case to warrant dismissal or acquittal.
Understanding Prescription Drug Abuse
It’s very unfortunate that prescription drug abuse has become a major issue throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul. Many people become addicted because they had to take narcotic pain relievers after an accident. Over time, this can lead to accidental overdose because the drugs lose their effectiveness at smaller doses.
Due to the availability of prescription drugs, tens of thousands of minors have become addicted to the prescription drugs that parents and grandparents have had in their medicine cabinets.
Eventually, the addiction leads to illegal acts, such as theft and forgery. Addiction makes people do things that they wouldn’t do otherwise. Using fraud and deceit to obtain a prescription medication can be charged as a fifth-degree controlled substance offense. The potential penalty is up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
Prescription fraud can involve the following acts:
- Stealing a prescription pad to forge a prescription
- Forging the prescription and presenting it to a pharmacy, whether successful or not
- Altering a valid prescription in an effort to obtain more medication than prescribed
- Posing as someone else to get a prescription drug
The Help You Need
Most of the time, someone who has been charged with forging a prescription needs help rather than imprisonment. Jennifer Speas can help. When prescriptions are forged, it is to obtain highly addictive drugs like opioid pain relievers or benzodiazepines. There are many types of prescription drugs that are addictive and can produce the high that the person is looking for. What a person needs in this case is a good diversion program. Fortunately, there are drug courts in place that look at intervention before punishment. However, the commission of fraud may still result in some kind of criminal charge. Jennifer Speas is a criminal lawyer in Minneapolis who can help fight all charges filed in the alleged act.
Contact A Minneapolis Criminal Lawyer
Forging a prescription is a serious offense, as it involves forging a signature and/or theft of a prescription pad for the purpose of writing fraudulent prescriptions. If you or a loved one has been charged with forging a prescription, a defense attorney is a necessary part of having a solid defense. To learn more about how the Speas Law Firm, P.A., can help you, call 612-284-1463 for an initial consultation.