lAs Vegas Prescription Drug Attorney

Defending Against Prescription Drug Abuse Charges in Clark County

Prescription drug abuse is a rising epidemic in the nation, and as such, stringent laws are in place to ensure against this dangerous offense. Not only do these offenses seriously threaten one's health, but they can bring some grave penalties as well. The most commonly abused prescription drugs include opioids/narcotics/pain relievers, depressants, and stimulants. Some drugs that can be obtained through prescription and have some accepted medical use include substances such as opium, Vicodin, morphine, and anabolic steroids. Common methods of obtaining these drugs include doctor shopping and prescription fraud.

You need to be aware of available defenses, and you need a Las Vegas drug crime attorney who can vigorously defend all your charges. Las Vegas criminal defense attorney Phil Brown is a former prosecutor, which means he has insider knowledge about the prosecution. This gives him the edge in crafting a defense. When you need knowledgeable and aggressive defense, you can trust The Brown Law Offices.

What is PRESCRIPTION Fraud?

Prescription fraud occurs when someone uses false information in order to obtain, prescribe or dispense prescription drugs. This might involve creating a fake prescription, altering a valid prescription, faking medical conditions or symptoms in order to get a prescription, etc. The crime of prescription fraud has been becoming much more rampant United States. Whether you are a patient, a physician, or another medical professional, you will need to start building a strong defense plan if you are accused of prescription fraud. Convictions for this crime can lead to tough criminal penalties, and they can even ruin your career. The Las Vegas drug crimes lawyers at Brown Law Offices Chartered can help you determine the best plan of action for protecting your future when you at facing prescription fraud charges.

What is Doctor Shopping?

One common type of prescription fraud occurs through "doctor shopping." This takes place when a patient obtains prescriptions for a controlled substance from multiple doctors without informing the doctors that the patient has already received prescriptions for the drug. There are many people who doctor shop so that they can avoid raising suspicion by asking one doctor for excessive amounts of prescription drugs. Doctor shopping is prohibited under the Nevada Uniform Controlled Substance Act (NRS §453.391(2)).

Unlawful Prescriptions

In addition to the provision mentioned above, the Uniform Controlled Substance Act places various other restrictions on how controlled substances can be possessed, prescribed, administered, dispensed, and even transported. NRS §453.391(1) prohibits the act of obtaining or taking controlled substances or prescriptions for these substances in an unlawful manner. Furthermore, NRS §453.381 lays out various restrictions for medical professionals and other professionals who have the legal authority to handle controlled substances.

What are the Penalties for Prescription Drug Abuse in Nevada?

Whatever the charge, you will likely be facing felony charges for prescription drug abuse. One possible consequence could be landing with a Category C felony charge, punishable by 1 to 5 years in state prison and up to $10,000 in fines. Not only does this entail years in state prison, plus thousands and thousands of dollars in fines, but you could be facing life as a convicted felon. That means that your record would be stained, foiling attempts to find a good place to live and get the job you want. These are consequences you cannot afford.

How To Defend Against Doctor Shopping and Prescription Fraud Charges

Doctor shopping is when someone goes to multiple doctors and pharmacies to get their hands on more and more of the prescription. This is illegal. Potentially, this could prove to be a mistake caused by a lack of communication between doctors, but if you cannot provide a valid defense, you could face felony charges. Prescription fraud involves doctors giving out illegitimate prescriptions. A possible defense may be found in Entrapment Law, which means proving that undercover police were actually responsible for inducing the doctor to give out a fraudulent.

Contact Our Prescription Drug Lawyer in Las Vegas Today

Doctor shopping offenses and unlawful prescription offenses are categorized as Class C felonies. A Class C felony is punishable by 1 to 5 years in state prison and a fine of up to $5,000, among other possible penalties. There are additionally many other factors that can greatly increase the penalties you could be facing. The criminal defense team at Brown Law Offices Chartered is here to help you aggressively defend yourself against your accusers.