Prescription Fraud Charges

Falsely or fraudulently filling a prescription is unlawful in Denver, Lakewood, and Aurora. Using deceit or forgery to obtain prescription drugs can lead to impactful criminal charges. False statements, fake names / addresses, and altering a prescription are common acts of prescription fraud throughout the Denver area. Time behind bars and hefty fines are a possibility for those facing accusations of this nature. If you or someone you know has been contacted by police about prescription fraud, it is essential that you exercise your right to remain silent and consult an experienced drug offense lawyer right away.

Denver Prescription Fraud Laws

Denver's prescription fraud laws prohibit faking or altering prescriptions for controlled substances. CRS 18-18-415 addresses this offense in Denver, Jefferson, and Arapahoe County:

"(1)(a) No person shall obtain a controlled substance or procure the administration of a controlled substance by fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or subterfuge;  or by the forgery or alteration of an order;  or by the concealment of a material fact;  or by the use of a false name or the giving of a false address.

(b) Information communicated to a practitioner in an effort to procure a controlled substance other than for legitimate treatment purposes or unlawfully to procure the administration of any such controlled substance shall not be deemed a privileged communication.

(c) No person shall willfully make a false statement in any order, report, or record required by this article.

(d) No person, for the purpose of obtaining a controlled substance, shall falsely assume the title of, or represent himself to be, a manufacturer, distributor, practitioner, or other person authorized by law to obtain a controlled substance.

(e) No person shall make or utter any false or forged order.

(f) No person shall affix any false or forged label to a package or receptacle containing a controlled substance."

Common controlled substances that are sought through prescription fraud include Oxycontin, Hydrocodone, Benzodiazepines, Adderall, and Anabolic steroids.

How Bad is Prescription Fraud in Denver?

Each prescription fraud case is different. Penalties for each situation are different as well. As a level four drug felony, a conviction for prescription fraud can lead to:

• 6 - 12 months of incarceration,
• fines of $1,000 - $100,000

Many of those who face allegations for prescription fraud in Colorado are also fighting an opioid addiction or dependency on other drugs. In some cases, defendants can commit to treatment as an alternative to incarceration. As a "wobbler" drug offense, prescription fraud may be reduced to a level 1 drug misdemeanor for defendants who comply with specific terms and conditions and successfully complete a drug treatment program.

Denver Criminal Lawyer for Drug Crimes 

Prescription drug offenses require strategic representation from an experienced criminal lawyer. We have decades of experience fighting these allegations in Denver, Arapahoe, and Jefferson County and our client reviews speak for themselves. Perhaps the prescription was valid, there weren't false statements, or you're being falsely accused. That being said, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation. We will carefully analyze your unique situation, as well as recommend next steps. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for people facing prescription fraud allegations throughout Colorado.

Don't talk to the police about prescription fraud - talk to us. Sawyer Legal Group, LLC 303-830-0880

Photo by Patrick Tomasso